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Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - His Early History
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Born in 1881 in the Ottoman city of Salonika, Mustafa
Kemal Atatürk would rise to become Turkey's most beloved
hero and the founder of the Republic of Turkey.
A foreward
thinking man of great intelligence, Atatürk would set forth
reform to Turkey's government and change the attitudes of
its people.
A highly educated man whose parents guided him
throughout his early years toward the importance of
education, Atatürk would later prove his military prowess
during World War I when he would become an outstanding front
line commander.
Atatürk - An Outstanding Leader in Turkey
In August 1920, when the Treaty of Sevres was signed,
it completed the plans for the partitioning of the Ottoman Empire of
which several key regions were viewed as the
Turkish heartland. It was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who insisted |
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on independence, thus leading the way to protecting the
wishes of the Turkish people and Turkish soil. This single
act would result in his persuading the Grand National
Assembly to create a national military whereupon several
battles were fought that led to the creation of the Republic
of Turkey. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1924 worked with his
government to establish Turkey's Constitution.
Atatürk - His Social Reform Platform
The realism and pragmatism of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
was the basis for the Turkish ideology known as "Six
Arrows", the root of which was Atatürk's insistence upon
Turkish independence. His social platform customized for his
people, the beliefs in secularism. He believed solidly in
the sovereignty of his people and addressed corruption and
promoted direct representation in government. His social
reforms put in place a safeguard against totalitarianism. He
promoted education more than had ever been done in Turkish
history, believing it was key to maintaining independence.
By 1926, he established a penal code and changed laws
regarding women's rights which gave women equality with men.
When he insisted men dispense with wearing a fez for
westernized hats, he didn't enforce women giving up the veil
and heavy clothes. He pragmatically allowed the women around
him to modernize their attire which slowly brought about
change in women's mode of dress.
Atatürk - Economic Growth
The economic policies of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk have
been the core of the agricultural industrialization of
Turkey as well as stimulating the growth and increase in
business in manufacturing, mining, and shipping as well as
trade nationally and globally. Tourism is also one of
Turkey's thriving industries. Atatürk's economic policies
was significant in elevating the status of Turkey
internationally as well as among the Turkish people.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - A Man of Peace
Atatürk exhibited enormous forward thinking in terms
of his foreign policies. He maintained peaceful relations
that would give Turkey world recognition as an important
diplomatic country. But, he also defined the Turkish culture
of respect, order and duty. One of his acts which points to
his diplomacy was when, shortly before his death in 1938, as
representatives of the Lausanne Treaty met in Montreaux in
1936, a new convention was drawn giving Turkey the right to
fortify the Straits and to close them to belligerent
warships.
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Turkish Respect for an Honored Leader
Because of the significant changes in Turkish
government and culture attributed to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,
Turks honor and respect the man whose education, military
prowess, diplomacy and social revolutions have had the most
impact on the people and the country. In fact, it's against the law to say anything negative about him.
Today, all of his efforts can be seen in virtually every part of
Turkey. It may also be said that as a result, Turkey's place in the
international society has grown increasingly important. Turkey's
first president is therefore a revered and respected figure as the
Founding Father of the Republic of Turkey. |
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His presence in Turkish history is unequaled for his numerous social
reforms and for establishing a Turkish government dedicated to his
people. His influence can be seen in literature, art, science,
museums and libraries. Turkey's modernization includes broadcasting
stations, soccer and wrestling among some of the sports available.
Visitors to Turkey
The esteem with which Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is held
in Turkey requires that tourists share the same respect
their beloved leader. Turkish people hold little tolerance
for disrespect toward the man whose name is held highest
above all others. Tourists are cautioned to refrain from
such disrespect in the presence of the countrymen of Turkey. |
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