Ata-boy Atatürk

The George Washington/Tomas Jefferson/Benjamin Franklin of Turkey is one man.  Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.  Famously and lovingly known just as Atatürk, which literally translates to “Father of the Turks.”   Mustafa Paşa (pronounced “pasha” and means General) rose through the ranks during World War 1 as a revered solider, officer and general.   Following their loss in the war, he led the charge to salvage what was left of the Ottoman Empire in the Turkish Independence War.   His vision and drive kept what we currently know as Turkey together when everyone-- Greeks, Russians, Kurds, and Armenians-- were scrambling and fighting for parts of the Ottoman Empire.

Upon the establishment of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923, Atatürk was named the first president.  In the words of Stephen Kinzer from the book Crescent and Star, “According to its constitution, Turkey is a secular state with no official religion. But the truth is that Turks profess, and must profess, a highly developed faith enveloped and defining every aspect of their lives.  It is the cult of Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic and now a virtual deity.” Atatürk’s picture is found everywhere.  Perhaps the only thing you see more than the Turkish flag.  In the two schools we visited, his picture hangs in every classroom.   Statues of Atatürk stand in every city large and small.  On a hill overlooking a panorama of Ankara, Turkey’s capital, is Atatürk’s final resting place.  This homage to Turkey’s premier is a marble mausoleum, museum, and cathedral combination lined with roses and Turkish flags.  It’s stunning, magnificent, and majestic.  We had the pleasure of visiting this place and it was remarkable, a fitting tribute to the treasured leader.

After the official establishment of the Turkish Republic, Atatürk took off his military uniform once and for all.  As many leaders make the mistake of seeking additional lands or conquering troubled neighbors, Atatürk instead turned his focus to the people of his newly formed country, his ideas of secularism and “catching up” to the West.  The capital was moved from Istanbul to Ankara, close to the people whom Atatürk ruled. 

Under Atatürk’s leadership, a secular state was formed.  Islam is/was the predominate religion of Turkey but kept separate from all politics and law making.  This practice is even named after the beloved hero, Kemalism.  Beginning by abolishing the caliphate, followed by the dissolution of the Islamic courts and replacing the Muslim calendar with the European one, Atatürk made one reform after another to bring Turkey into his idea of the modern age.  The Turkish language wasn’t exempt.  Turks always had their own language but it was written with Arabic script.  Atatürk unveiled the new alphabet of Latin letters at a gala with all the country’s leading figures in attendance.   Women were given the right to vote and hold public office.  Everyone was told to take a surname.  Anything was allowed except Atatürk, one man alone held that name. 

In every photo Atatürk looks like a Hollywood movie star resembling a dashing Clark Gable.  Mustafa Kemal had light hair and striking blue eyes.  “The Turkish nations has fallen far behind the west,“ he is quoted saying, “The main aim should be to lead it to modern civilization.”  Women were encouraged to take off their headscarves and men wore fedoras.  Atatürk set the standard for dress and it was very Western. 

The protesters of today’s Turkey revere Atatürk’s ideas.  They desire the secular ways and personal freedoms he instilled when the Republic was born nearly a century ago.  The current administration is slowly taking these freedoms away (see Current Events). 

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk remains nearly unknown outside of his own country… but inside these borders there is no one greater.  No one.

Dedicated on this Father's Day to my paşa and baba (dad), Ken Drahota.