Fact check: Is the treaty of Lausanne really expiring in 2023?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provide a clear and consistent answer: the Treaty of Lausanne does not expire in 2023. The treaty, which became effective on August 6, 1924, remains in force today and has no expiration date ^[1]. Multiple sources confirm that the treaty has no known expiration date except if it's modified or replaced by new arrangements, and crucially, it does not contain a 'sunset clause' that would specify a time period after which the agreement would no longer be in force ^[2].

Rather than expiring in 2023, the year marked the 100th anniversary of the treaty's signing. Sources consistently reference this milestone, with articles celebrating or examining the treaty's centennial rather than its termination ^{[3] [4]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question fails to acknowledge that the "expiration" claim is actually part of conspiracy theories circulating in Turkey. These theories suggest that the Treaty of Lausanne will end 100 years after it was signed, potentially allowing Turkey to conduct oil and gas activities ^{[5] [4]}. However, these claims have been refuted by reputable historians ^[4].

The missing context includes:

• The geopolitical implications of such theories, particularly regarding Turkey's potential energy exploration activities
• The historical significance of the treaty in establishing modern Turkey's borders and international relations
• The treaty's impact on Greek-Turkish relations and its role as a foundational document in post-World War I peace settlements ^{[6] [4]}
• The treaty's effects on Armenian communities and other minorities, which adds another layer to its historical importance ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question itself contains an embedded false premise by asking if the treaty is "really expiring" in 2023, which suggests the questioner may have been exposed to misinformation. The analyses reveal that this expiration claim is not supported by historical evidence and is considered a conspiracy theory ^[5].

The misinformation appears to serve specific interests:

• Turkish nationalist narratives that might benefit from suggesting the country could gain new territorial or resource extraction rights
• Political actors who might use such claims to justify future policy changes or territorial ambitions
• Energy sector interests that could benefit from the belief that Turkey might gain new rights to conduct oil and gas activities

The persistence of this misinformation demonstrates how conspiracy theories can spread even when they contradict basic legal and historical facts about international treaties.