Seminar paper from the year 2013 in the subject Politics - Region: Near East, Near Orient, grade: 2, University of Flensburg, language: English, abstract: The political and economical relations between Turkey and European countries date back to 11 century when Turks migrated from Asia to Anatolia and later conquered Constantinople establishing Ottoman Empire. Since then Turks became familiar with European culture and political, economical system of European countries. There were always conflicts between Turkey and European countries because culture and religion divided them deeply. After collapse of Ottoman Empire Turkey chose a different path for the future of the country under leadership of Mustafa Kamal Pasha Ataturk. It was European integration which actually started on 31 July of 1959 when Turkey applied for associate membership in European Community. In 1963 Ankara agreement was signed in this regard which strengthened Turkish and European relations. An important aspect that made EU and Turkey closer during this period was threat of Soviet Union and collaboration within the framework of NATO.