Within the scope of the İLEM Specialization Studies, the İLEM Specialization Seminars address current academic issues, re-examining completed research through new perspectives and integrating them into scholarly discussions.
The 209th session of the Specialization Seminars will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 18:00 at İLEM. Moderated by Gültekin Yıldız and featuring a presentation by Hamza Bilgü, the event will explore the transformation of the Turkish Armed Forces between 1949 and 1960 under the title “British Military Intelligence and the Transformation of the Turkish Armed Forces (1949–1960).”
Drawing from Bilgü’s book “The Turkish Armed Forces in British Military Intelligence Reports (1949–1960),” the presentation will focus on the activities of British military attachés stationed in Turkey during this period. While fulfilling their duties in military intelligence and related areas, these attachés produced detailed reports on the Turkish Armed Forces.
During this era, Turkey became part of a large-scale American Military Assistance Program, adopted a modern military force structure, contributed a brigade-level force to the Korean War, and gained NATO membership. These developments led to significant transformations in the organization, equipment, and doctrine of the Turkish Armed Forces. While the U.S. Military Assistance Mission played a central role in orchestrating this transformation, military educational institutions served as key catalysts. Meanwhile, British army, navy, and air force attachés closely monitored these changes and reflected their observations in comprehensive reports.
The presentation will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 18:00 on the first floor of the İLEM Library building. All interested participants are invited.
