The History Podcast: Half-Life – Episode 4: Young Republic

Host: Joe Dunthorne
Producer: Eleanor McDowell
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Production: Falling Tree Production for BBC Radio 4

Introduction: Unearthing Family Secrets

In the fourth episode of The History Podcast, titled "Young Republic," producer Eleanor McDowell embarks on a poignant journey to uncover the intricate history of her German-Jewish great-grandfather, Siegfried. Drawn by a family legend of a dramatic escape from Nazi Germany in 1936, Eleanor teams up with host Joe Dunthorne to explore deeper, more unsettling truths hidden within their family's past.

Journey to Ankara: Retracing Siegfried’s Steps

Eleanor and Joe begin their exploration by traveling toward Ankara, the heart of the new Turkish Republic. Eleanor recounts her great-grandfather’s original journey:

Eleanor McDowell [00:12]: "On the evening of 7 October 1935, my German Jewish great grandfather Siegfried was on a sleeper train halfway across Turkey... he looked out at the beautiful emptiness of the Anatolian plateau."

Eleanor and Joe mimic Siegfried’s voyage on a sleeper train, sharing the experience of bunk beds in a cabin as they traverse the scenic landscapes of Turkey.

Joe Dunthorne [01:02]: "We are heading now towards Ankara into one of the sets of mountains. There's a tiny sliver of moon that's just risen up and hopefully is going to light the mountains as we go through them."

Their arrival mirrors Siegfried’s first moments in Ankara, filled with both hope and anxiety.

Discovering the Gas Mask Factory: A Facade of Humanity

Upon reaching Ankara, Eleanor delves into her great-grandfather’s work. Siegfried initially found employment with the Turkish Red Crescent, a humanitarian organization, marking a significant shift from his previous involvement in weapons production. This change had seemed a proud pivot in the family's narrative—until Eleanor's mother's translations revealed a darker layer.

Eleanor McDowell [06:42]: "In Ankara was of banging on the door to be let out."

Eleanor discovers the former location of Siegfried’s gas mask factory, now part of the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE), which operates a military history museum. The site is filled with remnants of his work alongside modern military hardware.

Eleanor McDowell [11:15]: "It turned out that Siegfried's former gas mask factory was easy to find on account of it still being a factory for gas masks and other military equipment."

The facade of humanitarian effort is starkly contrasted by the ongoing production of weaponry, challenging the family's recollections of Siegfried's legacy.

Unveiling the Dark History: Letters and Chemical Weapons

Eleanor's investigation takes a darker turn when she accesses her mother's translations of Siegfried’s letters. Contrary to his memoirs, Siegfried's letters reveal his continued involvement with chemical weapons production.

Eleanor McDowell [15:03]: "The gas masks my great grandfather made were not primarily for civilians. The first 20,000 went to the Turkish army... his letters tell a murkier story."

One particularly significant letter, dated April 10, 1937, details a confidential request for the purchase of larger quantities of chemicals intended for chemical weapons, paid for by the Turkish government.

Eleanor McDowell [15:03]: "This was my mum's translation of a letter that Siegfried wrote to his old boss, Professor Kweizebat in Berlin... he explained... his colleagues in Ankara wanted to buy chemical weapons."

This revelation points to a troubling collaboration between Siegfried and the Turkish government, intertwining his humanitarian facade with the production of lethal weapons.

Consulting the Experts: Insights from Professor Tanar Akcam

To understand the broader implications of her findings, Eleanor reaches out to Professor Tanar Akcam, a respected historian specializing in the Armenian Genocide and Turkish history.

Professor Tanar Akcam [17:27]: "We call it genocide. This is really a very classical example of a small scale of genocide. 1937-38."

Professor Akcam sheds light on the Dersim massacres of 1937-38, events that had been systematically erased from Turkey's official history. He confirms that the Turkish government did indeed approve the purchase of German chemical weapons, which were subsequently used in brutal military operations.

Professor Tanar Akcam [20:35]: "Your granddad's letter made it clear that the connection went beyond the Turkish government's internal communication, that it went directly to the German company buying the gases."

This expert validation underscores the gravity of Siegfried’s involvement in the production of chemical weapons, linking his humanitarian work to state-sponsored violence.

Oral Histories: Jamal Tasha’s Archival Efforts

Professor Akcam introduces Eleanor to Jamal Tasha, a dedicated archivist who has spent decades collecting oral histories and firsthand testimonies of the Dersim massacres. Jamal’s relentless pursuit of truth has unearthed numerous mass graves and sites of unspeakable violence.

Jamal Tasha [22:58]: "I have interviewed hundreds of survivors and visited many sites related to the massacres... I found human bones still scattered on the floor."

Jamal shares harrowing accounts of chemical gas use, which left bodies intact, preserving the atrocities for future discovery.

Jamal Tasha [23:40]: "They called it smoke... We believe that it is chemical gas... the bones are still there."

These testimonies provide a visceral connection to the historical events, illustrating the lasting impact of the atrocities committed.

Emotional Reflections: Confronting the Past

As Eleanor delves deeper into her family’s history, she grapples with the emotional weight of uncovering these truths. The juxtaposition of her family's survival against the backdrop of their complicity in oppressive regimes adds layers of complexity to her understanding of legacy and morality.

Eleanor McDowell [26:02]: "I felt my own voice retreating into the back of my throat."

Her physical struggles with sciatica parallel her internal conflict, symbolizing the burden of unearthing painful truths.

Conclusion: A Legacy Reexamined

In "Young Republic," Eleanor McDowell's journey reveals the intricate and often unsettling intersections between personal family history and broader historical narratives. Through meticulous research, expert consultations, and emotional introspection, the episode sheds light on the hidden facets of a family legacy intertwined with the tumultuous rise of the Turkish Republic and its dark undertones.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring impacts of history on personal identity, urging listeners to consider the complexities of heritage and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths.

Eleanor McDowell [26:10]: "Traveling east through the country that saved my family from destruction, I kept patting my pockets to make sure I still had easy access to packs of Cocodamol and Naproxen."

This poignant reminder underscores the ongoing personal and historical reconciliation that shapes our understanding of the past.

Credits

Half Life was written and presented by Joe Dunthorne, produced by Eleanor McDowell, mixed by Mike Woolley, with music composed by Jeremy Walmsley. Sarah Geiss served as the story consultant, and Alan Hall was the executive producer. The episode was brought to life by Falling Tree Production for BBC Radio 4 and The History Podcast.