The US Senate’s decision to apply military sanctions against Turkey for Russian S-400 air defence system procurement has become the latest hot topic in bilateral relations. Although this raises in minds the question of “Is this the sign of a new era in Turkish-American relations?”, historical trajectory reveals that relations have never followed a linear path.

Relations between Turkey and the United States can be traced back to approximately 200 years. Bilateral dialogue began during the Ottoman times and continued in several dimensions simultaneously. The United States, which won an independence was against the British Empire in 1783, sought to develop relations with European countries, especially with France, which had provided great support during this fierce struggle.