Cabotage Law turns 100: Cem Gürdeniz emphasizes it as the 'backbone of Blue Homeland'

The Cabotage Law, which defines Turkey's sovereign territory in maritime affairs, has returned to the agenda on the 100th anniversary of its enactment. The law, which forms the basis for celebrating July 1 as "Cabotage and Maritime Day," reserves commercial maritime activities, particularly cargo and passenger transport along Turkish coasts, for the Turkish flag and Turkish citizens.

Retired Admiral Cem Gürdeniz stated that the law was one of the strongest responses of sovereignty given by the Republic against the capitulations that were effective in the maritime field during the Ottoman era. Gürdeniz assessed that "The Cabotage Law is the beginning of the Turkish maritime movement and the legal and strategic foundation of independent maritime policy."

EMPHASIS ON INDEPENDENCE AT SEA

According to Gürdeniz, one of the main reasons for the Ottoman decline in maritime affairs was the capitulations granted to foreigners. Stating that a vast area ranging from ports to the merchant fleet, and from shipyards to maritime trade law, was gradually left under foreign control, Gürdeniz said that a state that loses its sovereignty at sea also largely loses its economic independence.

Reminding that the capitulations were abolished with the Treaty of Lausanne, Gürdeniz stated that the Cabotage Law effectively brought this independence to life at sea. Gürdeniz emphasized that the law is based on national sovereignty in maritime transport and commercial maritime activities along Turkey's coasts.

Gürdeniz argued that the protective spirit of the cabotage regime is currently being eroded by various practices. The privatization of ports, increasing foreign financial control in strategic ports, the removal of towage services from state monopoly, and the employment of foreign personnel in certain areas were among the topics he raised in this context.

Stating that cabotage is not merely an economic regulation, Gürdeniz said, "Cabotage is the legal expression of sovereignty at sea and the backbone of the Blue Homeland. If cabotage weakens, maritime development weakens; if maritime development weakens, the economic and strategic power upon which the Blue Homeland relies also weakens."

News Source: 12punto