Mustafa Kemal Atatürk:
Founder of the Republic of Türkiye
Atatürk's Life and Education
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born in Thessaloniki in 1881 to Ali Rıza Efendi and Zübeyde Hanım. He began his education at a local school, then transferred to the Şemsi Efendi School. Despite the early death of his father, he continued his education and received the name "Kemal" at the Thessaloniki Military Junior High School. He graduated from the Manastir Military High School, then the Istanbul Military Academy and College (1905).
Military Career and World War
Atatürk held important positions in the Damascus, Tripoli, and Balkan Wars. His strategic genius displayed on the Gallipoli front earned him the title "Hero of Anafartalar." He later served successfully on the Caucasus and Syrian fronts as well.
The War of Independence and the National Struggle
The National Struggle, which began with Atatürk's arrival in Samsun on May 19, 1919, organized the people's resistance through the Amasya Circular and the Sivas-Erzurum congresses. National sovereignty was established with the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye on April 23, 1920.
- Battle of Sakarya: It ended in victory, and Atatürk was given the title "Gazi" (Veteran).
- The Great Offensive: It began on August 26, 1922, and ended with the liberation of Izmir on September 9.
- Treaty of Lausanne: Independence was officially recognized with the signing of the treaty on July 24, 1923.
Atatürk's Principles
- Republicanism: It is the most suitable form of government.
- Nationalism: The understanding that "the people of Türkiye are called the Turkish nation."
- Populism: It is based on the principle of legal equality.
- Statism: In the economy, it supports both the state and the private sector.
- Secularism: It separates religion and state affairs.
- Revolutionism: Continuous innovation and modernization.
Atatürk Reforms
The reforms carried out between 1924 and 1938 aimed to bring Türkiye to the level of modern civilization.
- Political: Abolition of the Sultanate and Caliphate, proclamation of the Republic.
- Social: Women's right to vote and be elected, the Clothing Reform, the Surname Law.
- Legal: The adoption of the secular Turkish Civil Code.
- Education and Culture: The Unification of Education, the New Turkish Alphabet, the establishment of the Turkish Historical Society (TTK) and the Turkish Language Association (TDK).
- Economy: Abolition of the tithe, development in industry and agriculture.
Immortal Works and Speeches
10th Anniversary Speech (1933): On the 10th anniversary of the Republic, Atatürk emphasized the importance of progress and the spirit of unity.
Address to the Youth (1927): He entrusted the task of protecting the Republic to the younger generation.
The Turkish National Anthem: Written by Mehmet Akif Ersoy, this work symbolizes the nation's belief in independence.
Important Sayings
- "Peace at home, peace in the world."
- "The truest guide in life is knowledge."
- "Sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation."
- "The peasant is the master of the nation."
Atatürk's Last Days and His Passing
- Atatürk passed away on November 10, 1938, at 09:05 in the Dolmabahçe Palace. His remains were transferred to Anıtkabir in 1953.
