The secret agreement that reshaped the Middle East by partitioning the Ottoman Empire between Britain and France.
The Sykes-Picot Agreement, signed in 1916, was a clandestine accord between Great Britain and France, with the assent of Russia, to divide the Ottoman Empire's Middle Eastern territories following World War I. This agreement laid the groundwork for the modern political boundaries in the region, disregarding ethnic and sectarian lines, and sowed seeds of future conflicts. The agreement's significance lies in its lasting impact on Middle Eastern geopolitics, as it established spheres of influence that have influenced regional dynamics to this day.
Chapters
Timeline
1915-10-24
Negotiations Begin
Secret negotiations between Britain and France commence to discuss the division of Ottoman territories in the Middle East.
1916-05-16
Sykes-Picot Agreement Finalized
The Sykes-Picot Agreement is finalized, delineating spheres of influence in the Middle East between Britain and France.
1917-11-02
Balfour Declaration
Britain issues the Balfour Declaration, expressing support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, complicating the Sykes-Picot terms.
1918-11-11
End of World War I
World War I ends, paving the way for the implementation of the Sykes-Picot Agreement.
1920-04-25
League of Nations Mandates
The League of Nations formalizes British and French mandates in the Middle East, based on the Sykes-Picot Agreement.
1920-08-10
Treaty of Sèvres
The Treaty of Sèvres is signed, officially dismantling the Ottoman Empire and confirming the mandates.
1921-03-12
Iraqi Revolt
A revolt erupts in Iraq against British rule, highlighting the challenges of implementing the Sykes-Picot Agreement.
1923-07-24
Treaty of Lausanne
The Treaty of Lausanne replaces the Treaty of Sèvres, redefining the borders of Turkey and affecting the Sykes-Picot terms.
1948-05-14
Establishment of Israel
The state of Israel is established, leading to further conflict in the region initially outlined by the Sykes-Picot Agreement.
1956-10-29
Suez Crisis
The Suez Crisis underscores the enduring impact of colonial-era agreements like Sykes-Picot on Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Connected Across The Archives
Explore specific connections to other archives—civilizations, conflicts, dynasties, and companies that share history with this treaty.
Civilization Archive
(2)Abbasid Civilization
The Sykes-Picot Agreement's division of the Middle East disregarded historical Abbasid cultural ties, leading to long-term regional instability and conflict.
Ottoman Empire
The Sykes-Picot Agreement's arbitrary borders facilitated the Ottoman Empire's decline, reshaping the geopolitical landscape and sowing seeds for future Middle Eastern conflicts.
