Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's personal life

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Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Born Mustafa
May 19, 1881(1881-05-19) (approximate)
Selânik (Thessaloniki)
Died November 10, 1938 (aged 57)
Dolmabahçe Palace, İstanbul
Cause of death Cirrhosis
Burial place Anitkabir
Nationality Turkish
Other names Mustafa Kemal
Kemal Pasha
Education War College in Istanbul
Height 1.68
Religious beliefs Islam[1]
Spouse Lâtife Uşaklıgil (1923–25)
Children 7 (adopted)
Parents Ali Rıza Efendi
Zübeyde Hanım
Relatives sister Makbule (Atadan)
Signature
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (series)
Personal life Birth date · Name · Early life (Education) · Family · Character · Religious beliefs · Will · Publications
Military career Early period · Gallipoli · Caucasus · Sinai and Palestine
Independence War Establishment · Conflicts · Peace
Atatürk's Reforms & Kemalist ideology
Gallery: Picture, Sound, Video

The extraordinary achievements, personality, and personal life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (May 19, 1881(1881-05-19) (adopted) – November 10, 1938) born to Ali Rıza Efendi and Zübeyde Hanım have been the subject of numerous studies; According to Kemal H. Harpat, the Turkish historian, his recent bibliography included 7,010 different sources[2]. Atatürk's personal life had its controversies such as his birth date to his full name, the details of his marriage captures the attention of every generation since his death and his position on religious beliefs have been used as arguments by every side in Turkish political life, such as recent Republic Protests during the Turkish presidential election, 2007.

The personality of the Mustafa Kemal has been an important subject area, both for scholars and the general public, for a person who had overwhelming dedication to the progress and welfare of his nation[2]. Much of the substantial personal information comes from memoirs by his associates (at times rivals) and friends, Ali Fuat Cebesoy, Kazim Karabekir, Halide Edip Adıvar, Falih Rifki Atay, Afet İnan, also we find secondary analysis by Lord Kinross, Sevket Sureyya Aydemir and recenty Vamik D. Valkan, Norman Itzkowitz.

Contents

[edit] Name

Atatürk was given the birth name Mustafa. Mustafa is a common Turkish name. It means the chosen. His mathematics teacher assigned to him the "Kemal" as a middle name in recognition of his academic excellence.[3] He was known as Mustafa Kemal. The Pasha was a common title assigned to Ottoman Generals. Mustafa Kemal received the promotion to the rank of Brigadier General on April 1, 1916. He was referred as Kemal Pasha.

Kemal Pasha joined to the Turkish national movement. The General Kemal Pasha resigned from his position at the Ottoman Army on July 8, 1919, following the government issued a warrant for his arrest, later condemning him to death. Turkish National Assembly (GNA) for his achievements during the War of Independence presented him the title Gazi with the rank of Marshal on September 19, 1921, hence "Gazi Mustafa Kemal". In Turkish military culture Gazi is higher than the title Pasha. GNA with the title Gazi recognize his founding efforts in national movement. A good example was the Sultan "Osman Gazi", the founder of the Ottoman Empire.

After the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, the GNA recognized the need for registration and use of fixed, hereditary surnames in Turkish with the passage of Surname law. On June 21, 1934, the Surname Law was accepted. Gazi Mustafa Kemal requested the last name "Öz," but the GNA bestowed on him the surname Atatürk on November 24, 1934 with a special law.[4] The GNA consecutively passed another law which established that "Atatürk" would be a unique surname, to be used only by Mustafa Kemal. The surname Atatürk can be divided into two parts: Ata and Türk. Ata means "father" or "ancestor" in Turkish; while Türk means "Turk" or "Turkish People." Thus, "Atatürk" means "Father of Turkish People" or "Ancestor of Turkish People."

The current common use in Turkey is to refer him with his last name Atatürk.

See also: Surname Law (Turkey)

[edit] Birth date

Atatürk's last national identification shows only the year 1881 printed. The approximate day May 19 had been announced officially to the general public and diplomatically to other countries along with the year 1881.
Atatürk's last national identification shows only the year 1881 printed. The approximate day May 19 had been announced officially to the general public and diplomatically to other countries along with the year 1881.

The exact birth date of Atatürk is not known. The confusion is more a reflection of the period and the Ottoman Empire rather than Atatürk, his family or any other factor.

Part of the confusion originates because the Gregorian calendar, currently in use, was adopted on 26 December 1925 as part of Ataturk's reforms. Another issue was the use of two separate calendars, the Hijri calendar and the Rumî calendar, in the Ottoman Empire. Atatürk's birth date was recorded as 1296 with no sign whether this was based on the Rumî or Hijri calendar. Based on traditions, it is accepted that the year was recorded in Rumî calendar. The Rumî 1296 either coincide with 1880 or 1881 on the Gregorian calendar depending on the day and month.[5] Rumî 1296 lasted from Gregorian 13 March 1880 to Gregorian 12 March 1881. Atatürk stated that he heard from his mother that he was born on a spring day. His sister Makbule Atadan said she was told that he was born in a stormy night. Faik Reşit Unat visited Zübeyde Hanım's neighbors at Salonika (Thessaloniki). The answers he got were contradictory: some claimed that he was born on a spring day while others claimed it to be on a winter day, either January or February.

  1. Enver Behnan Şapolyo claims that Atatürk was born on Gregorian 23 December 1880.
  2. Şevket Süreyya Aydemir claims that Atatürk was born on Gregorian 4 January 1881.
  3. Muhtar Kumral, the former head of the Mustafa Kemal association, claimed on 13 March 1958 that they established Atatürk's birth date as Gregorian 13 March 1881 based on a statement by Makbule Atadan, Atatürk's sister. However Gregorian March 13, 1881 is the equivalent of Rumî March 1 1297. Atatürk was born in Rumî 1296. Therefore validity of the claim is disputed.[5]
  4. Tevfik Rüştü Aras stated that after days of research with Atatürk they had narrowed the date between May 10 and May 20. Atatürk then said "why not May 19."

The acceptance of the day May 19 was originated by historian Reşit Saffet Atabinen who linked it to the birth of the nation. May 19 is accepted as the start of the Turkish Independence War. Atatürk liked this gesture displaying the importance of May 19. On the upcoming days a teacher asked Atatürk his birth date as they were planing on setting up a "Gazi" day. Atatürk responded that he did not know his exact birth date and suggested May 19 as the date for the Gazi day. This however created an interesting situation. The Gregorian May 19 of 1881 is Rumî 1297. His recorded year is Rumî 1296. If we except day as Rumi 19 May his birth year would be Gregorian 1880.

The year 1881 is visible in his last identity card (Turkish: Nüfus cüzdanı) exhibited in Atatürk museum in Şişli.[5] The day of Atatürk's birth has been officially attributed as 19 May.[5] May 19, 1881 had been announced officially to the general public and diplomatically to other countries.

[edit] Early life

Makbule, Zübeyde Hanım and her son Atatürk
Makbule, Zübeyde Hanım and her son Atatürk

Atatürk was born in the then Ottoman city of Salonika (Turkish: Selânik, modern-day Thessaloniki, Greece) as the son of the Ali Rıza Efendi, a minor civil servant who became a timber merchant and Zübeyde Hanım. The Ottoman empire was not a national empire and the records were not kept based on nationality. People's native language was a major determination of the ethnic background. Kemal's parents and relatives all used Turkish as their native language[6]. Kemal later in his life claimed that his family was part of a nomad Turkic tribe (Turkish: Yörük) settled in Balkans in 12-13 centuries. During the period in mention, many tribes settled in the newly concurred regions. Kemal's statement have not supported or denied by documentary evidence.

[edit] Preparatory school

Ali Rıza Bey's desire was to send Mustafa to the newly-opened Şemsi Efendi school so that he would get a contemporary education, Zübeyde Hanım wanted him to attend a traditional school where mostly prayers and hymns were taught. This caused arguments within the family and eventually a consensus, he was first enrolled in a traditional religious school, he soon switched to a modern civic preparatory school, Rucholigè School.

Ali Rıza Efendi died at an age of 47. Atatürk was 7 years old. Zübeyde Hanım was 31. Zübeyde Hanım and her two children lived for a period with her brother, Hüseyin, who was the manager of a farm outside Salonika. Mustafa worked on the farm. Zübeyde Hanım married to Ragıp Bey, who was also a widower with four children. Kemal liked Sureyya. His other step brother was employed by "Regie Compagnie interessee des tabacs de l'empire Ottoman." Atatürk was not the senior male in the house after his mothers marriage. He left the house and lived with a relative.

[edit] Military education

Manastır Askerî İdadisi
Manastır Askerî İdadisi

Atatürk wanted to attend the military school. As a young boy, he admired the Western style uniforms of the military officers. He was twelve years old when he enrolled into a military junior high school in Selânik (the Selânik Askerî Rüştiyesi) in 1893. In 1896 he enrolled into a military high school (the Manastır Askerî İdadisi) in the Ottoman city of Manastır (today's Bitola, in the Republic of Macedonia.) Both of these regions saw discontent and revolts towards the Ottoman administration. On March 13, 1899, he enrolled into the Ottoman War College (the Mekteb-i Harbiye-i Şahane) in Istanbul. It was a boarding school with dormitories within its premises. The military school was strictly controlled by Abdülhamid II. Newspapers were not allowed in the school, and textbooks were the only accepted books. The school not only thought military skills but also religious practices and social support (donating money or working for charity was strictly enforced.) He graduated from the Ottoman War College in 1902. He later graduated from the Ottoman War Academy (the Erkân-ı Harbiye Mektebi) in Istanbul, on January 11, 1905.

In 1905, there were two track officers in the Ottoman imperial army. One of them was the "educated within the army itself" officers, (Turkish: Alaylı), and the other one was consisted of the officers who were trained in modern military schools, (Turkish: Mektepli). He was a "school trained" officer. School educated officers had a strong ideological imprint towards the family and country, which he had shown the tendencies of both trade. When he joined the Ottoman Army, had had already passed 13 years of military education.

[edit] Family

Zübeyde Hanım's first child was Fatma, then Ömer and Ahmet were born. They all died in early childhood. Mustafa was born in 1881. Makbule fallowed him in 1885. They had a sister Naciye, born in 1889, whom they lost to childhood tuberculosis.

Ragıp Bey had four children. Surreyya and Hasan are the names of his two sons. In Ragıp Bey's extended family there was a girl, Ragip's brother Colonel Husamettin's daughter Fikriye. Colonel Husamettin was a very modern man. He raised her daughter as a modern girl who have proper education, even piano lessons.

Out of the 9 siblings, 5 sharing at least one parent, only biological sister Makbule (Atadan) survived until 1956. Sureeyya, his step brother, died during World War One.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
??
 
Sofuzade Feyzullah Aga
 
??
 
Hafız Ahmet Efendi
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Husamettin
 
 
 
 
 
Hüseyin
 
 
Uncle 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mehmet Emin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ragıp Bey
 
 
 
 
Zübeyde Hanım
 
 
 
 
 
Ali Rıza Efendi
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Step 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fatma
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sureeyya
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ömer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hasan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ahmet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Step 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mustafa
 
 
 
 
Latife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Makbule
 
Afet (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Naciye
 
Sabiha (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ülkü (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Zehra (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rukiye (a)

[edit] Romances

In 1913 Kemal was stationed as military attache in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. Here he befriended General Kovachev, the Bulgarian Minister of War, who had fought against him in the Second Balkan War. Kemal and the general's daughter, an attractive and accomplished young girl named Dimitrina, with a slim figure and a head of dark curls, developed a romantic relationship. They frequently attended dance parties and masked balls. Kemal's consideration of asking Dimitrina's hand in marriage did not materialize since her family made their position known by politely refusing an invitation to a ball at the Turkish Embassy.[7]

While living in Şişli, Istanbul around 1917 Kemal also had an intimate relationship with Fikriye, a niece of his late step-father, after her divorce from an Egyptian husband.[8]

[edit] Marriage

Atatürk and Latife Hanım (far left) with her family in early 1923
Atatürk and Latife Hanım (far left) with her family in early 1923
Latife and Kemal at one of the tours of Anatolia
Latife and Kemal at one of the tours of Anatolia

Atatürk married only once. Latife (Latife Uşaklıgil) was Western educated, multilingual, modern, self confident daughter of an upper class, shipowner, old Izmir family. She had traveled to Europe in her youth.

Atatürk meet Latife Uşaklıgil during the recapture of occupied Izmir in September 8, 1922. Kemal was invited to Uşaklıgil residence during his stay in Izmir. He had chance to observe Latife closely. Their initial acquaintanceship period lasted relatively short as he had to return Ankara on October 2. Kemal opened up his interest to Latife by asking her "Don't go anywhere. Wait for me." On January 29, 1923, he arranged for the permission to marry from her family. The chief of staff Fevzi Çakmak asked the bride from her father. Kazim Karabekir was present at their wedding. These were not random decisions. In Turkish culture, groom asks from his family or respected people who he has close relationships to perform this act. Latife did not close her face during the wedding. At this period, brides faces were cloaked as a part of tradition. They did not have a honeymoon just after the wedding. The elections for the parliament was coming. He received the representatives of local newspapers next day of his wedding. He prepared for his public speech on February 2. Honeymoon, as an Anatolian tour, was a chance to show his wifes unveiled face as a role model for modern Turkish women. "It's not just a honeymoon, it's a lesson in reform," one observer wrote [9].

As a First Lady, she was part of the movement for emancipation of women, which started in Turkey in the early 1920s. Latife as the wife of Atatürk become an active campaigner for women's rights. Latife showed her face to the world with a defiance that simultaneously shocked and delighted onlookers [9]. She did not wear the hijab (tr:Carsaf en:Burqa) but covered her head with headscarf (Turkish: Basortusu), a style of headcovering, and urged Turkish women to do the same[10]. Atatürk passed the women's rights to vote and to be elected. Latife lobbied for women's right to vote[10].

One of the last public confrontation occurred during their Anatolian tour. Latife insisted on accompanying him to an eastern towns even though the wife of other officials stopped at the Samsun and did not travel further to the devastated east. The attention of Atatürk was directed to conventional gatherings. The balance was hard to establish. At Erzurum, Latife and Kemal reached a breaking point. They had a public quarrel. Atatürk asked Latife to go to Ankara, with his trusted ADC Salih Bozok. The were divorced on August 5, 1925. The circumstances of their divorce remain publicly unknown. A 25-year old court order banned the publishing of his former wife's diaries and letters, which may have contained information on the issue. Turkish History Foundation kept the letters since 1975. Upon expiration of the court order, the Turkish History Foundation said that Latife Uşaklıgil's family demanded the letters not to be disclosed.[11]

[edit] Children

Nebile's wedding on January 17, 1929
Nebile's wedding on January 17, 1929
With Ülkü at the rose garden  around 1937
With Ülkü at the rose garden around 1937

Atatürk loved children and he established April 23 as "Children's day" and May 19 as "Youth and Sports day." He is quoted to have said: "Children are a new beginning of tomorrow." Children's day commemorates the opening of Turkish National Assembly in 1920. The designation of Children's Day came in 1929 upon the recommendation of the Institution of Children's Protection. Both days are celebrated today and Youth and Sports is a national holiday.

Atatürk did not have any children from his marriage. He had seven adopted daughters and one son. The names of his children are Sabiha (Gökçen), Rukiye, Zehra, Afet (İnan), Fikriye, Ülkü (Adatepe), Nebile, and Mustafa.[12] Additionally, he had two children under his protection, Abdurrahim and İhsan.

Sabiha (Gökçen), twelve years old girl, was adapted on September 22, 1925. She was an orphan girl who approached him at Bursa train station. She asked his help for education. Atatürk looked after her education. She became the first female combat pilot in the world. After Sabiha, Zehra and Rukiye come to his protection.

On October 25, 1925, Atatürk met Afet (İnan) who was 18 years old at the time. She was the daughter of a close family friend. She had lost her mother, Her father was married to another women. She was trying to make a living in Izmir by teaching young girls. She lacked advanced education. Atatürk supported her advance education expenses, while she continued to support herself by teaching. Later, she became a trusted person. He asked her to copy edit his speeches, and dictate his materials.

Ülkü was adapted when she was 3 years old in 1935. She was the child of a retainer of his mother and the stationmaster. She was the only daughter that stayed close to him until a few weeks before his death.

[edit] Habits and talents

Atatürk mainly enjoyed reading, horse riding, chess, and swimming for leisure activities. He was very interested in dancing, taking pleasure in waltz on almost every opportunity, as well as the traditional Zeybek folk dances. He had an appreciation of Rumelian folk songs. Atatürk was fluent in French and German, and maintained a rich personal library of books on politics, history, chemistry, and linguistics.

He was known to have an appreciation for the national beverage, rakı, and enjoyed it in vast quantities.[13]

[edit] Character

According to Atatürk:

There is one trait I have had since my childhood. In the house where I lived. I never liked to spend time with my sister or with a friend. Since my childhood I have always preferred to be alone and independent, that is how I always lived. I have another trait: I have never had any patience with any advice or admonition which my mother - my father died very early - my sister or any of my closest relatives pressed on me according to their lights. People who live with their families know that there are never short of innocent and sincere warnings from left and right. There are only two ways of dealing with them. You either ignore them or obey them. I believe neither way is right [14]

Atatürk

One changing view about Atatürk is his foresightedness, foster and promotion of the leadership among Turkish revoutionaries[15]. Initial reviews depict him as an unchallanged challenged leader, the single man. Recent studies analyze the period from the populist perspective. His leadership activities had extending effects on the political, social and cultural context of the Republic[15]. These studies gives clues on his abilities to foster the cooperation among different people, such as in the "History of National Struggle Volumes I through V"[16]. His significance during independence was cited for his ability to unify people. It is pointed out that organizations in the countryside for resistance against occupation was happanning effectively before his involvement. His ability to channel people did not. The foundation for the civilian participation in the government [parliament being never closed during his reign] and establishment of civic society [his insistence of keeping military out of daily politics] are cited having the roots in the Kemal's presidency, not after[15]. The failed reforms of the regional countries, after the passage of it's leaders, were generally used as an example of the Atatürk's leadership among the Turkish Revolutionaries. His effect lasted many years after his passage.

[edit] Love of nature

He attached importance to his horse Sakarya and his dog Fox. He was also anecdotally linked to preservation of Turkish Angora after an article in the Turkey's Reader's Digest reportedly claimed that Atatürk said "his successor would be bitten on the ankle by an odd-eyed white cat[17].

Atatürk established the Atatürk Forest Ranch "Atatürk Orman Çiftliği" in 1925. He wanted to have a modern farm in the suburbs of the capital including a green haven (arboretum) for people[18]. The Atatürk Forest Ranch developed a program to introduce domesticated livestock and horticulture in 1933. As a consequence of children being interested in the animals Atatürk involved in developing a program which had became "Ankara Zoo[19]." The modern zoo which took 12 years in making, first of its kind in Turkey, gave a chance to people observe animals beyond the boundaries of Circus and Fairs. Atatürk, with his smallest adapted daughter "Ulku" spend his time at the Forest Ranch and throughout the development stages of the Zoo until he passed away in 1938. The official opening was in 1945.

[edit] Religious beliefs

Atatürk at the opening of the Parliament
Atatürk at the opening of the Parliament

In his youth, he had a religious training, though was short. His military training included religious imprinting. He knew Arabic Language well enough to understand and interprete the Holy Quran. He has studied the "History of Islam" by Leone Caetani and the "History of Islamic Civilization" by Georgi Zaidan. He authored the chapter in "Islamic History" himself when he wanted history books for high schools prepared. Atatürk's religious knowledge was considerably high in its nature and level[20] Ethem Ruhi Fığlalı states that one can clearly conclude on the basis of his speeches and attitudes that he was a sincere believer[20].

According to Andrew Mango; Atatürk's religious beliefs should be considered taking account of the cultural norms of his social group[21]. Atatürk's behavior during his youth provides no evidence of conviction. His adult life matches to most Turkish officers and gentlemen accepted Islam as a general framework for their lives and the life of society [21]. Islam had to be taken account as a fact - sometimes if they do not like it[21]. Their idealism was focused on political objectives. They defended the Muslim community they were born into. They were very sincere in this aim [21]. They put the ideal of service to "country" and "nation" as their highest goal.

[edit] General perception

Atatürk's view regarding religion was positive. In his speeches and publications there is no trace connoting hostility or even indifference toward religious ideology[20]. He view the religion as a necessary and unavoidable institution within the matter of relationship and communication between the individual and the God. His positive views did not extend to the prejudiced confessors of religion. In his view, the problem is not the religion but what he named as "prejudiced confessors." Prejudiced confessors according to him were "people who misuse religion for their earthly gains".[22]

Ataturk stated that a religion should be in conformity with reasoning, science and logic. He viewed Islam was in complete harmony with the reasoning, science and logic [23]. The question was not with the religion, but how believers understand and apply the religious rules in their life. The true religion can not be understood as long as "false prophets" (People who claim to know the religion) isolated and religious knowledge is enlightened. The only way to deal with false prophets was to deal with the people's ("Turkish People") illiteracy and prejudice. [24]

[edit] Religion and Individual

Religion, specifically he was referring to the Islam, was personal between an individual and God for him[25]. When compared to Ottoman practice (political Islam integrated to government life through Millets), Ataturk's believed in a form of reformed Islam (Islam between individual and God). He believed it was possible to blend native tradition (based on Islam) and western modernism harmoniously.[26] In this equation, he gave more emphasis towards the modernization. His modernization aimed to transform social and mental structures (native traditions of Islam) to eradicate the irrational ideas, magical superstitions and so on.[26]

Atatürk was not against the religion but what he perceived as all Ottoman religious and cultural elements that bring limits to people's self being.[26] He concentrated his reforms (regarding popular sovereignty) against obstacles for the individual choices being reflected in the social life. He viewed civil law and abolishment of caliphate was required for reflection of individual choices. He perceived the religion as a matter of conscience, a problem of worship, but not politics. The best response on this issue comes from himself

"Religion is a matter of conscience. One is always free to act according to the will of one's conscience. We (as a nation) are respectful of religion. It is not our intention to curtail freedom of worship, but rather to ensure that matters of religion and those of the state do not become intertwined.[27]"

Atatürk believed in freedom of religion, but he was a secular thinker and his freedom of religion was not limitless. He differentiated between social and personal practice of religion. He applied social considerations (secular requirements) when public practice of religion is considered. He said that no one can force another to accept any religion or a sect (freedom of belief) [28]. Also everyone has the right to perform of neglect, if he so wishes, obligations of any religion he chooses (freedom of worship), such as ability to not to fast during Ramadan.[29]"

[edit] Religion and Politics

According to Kemal Karpat; The movements that perceive Islam as a political movement or particularly the view of Islam as a political religion holds the position that Atatürk was not a Muslim (true believer or religious Muslim). It is normal that this perspective was adapted Karpat says "He was not against Islam, but those who are against his political power using the religious arguments[2]." Any movement that wanted to establish Caliphate had to discredit Atatürk. It is claimed that Republic reflected Kemal's personal philosophy.

He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap. My people are going to learn the teachings of science.... Let them worship as they will; every man can follow his own conscience, provided it does not interfere with sane reason or bid him act against the liberty of his fellow man.[30]

It can be claimed that Atatürk is a "cultural Muslim" or "nominal Muslim," but it should be noted, that the definition of cultural Muslim itself is very far from being uncontested.

[edit] Last days, 1937–1938

During 1937, indications of Atatürk's worsening health started to appear. In the early 1938, while he was on a trip to Yalova, he suffered from a serious illness. After a short period of treatment in Yalova, an apparent improvement in his health was observed, but his condition again worsened following his journeys first to Ankara, and then to Mersin and Adana. Upon his return to Ankara in May, he was recommended to go to İstanbul for treatment, where he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.

During his stay in İstanbul, he made an effort to keep up with his regular lifestyle for a while, heading the Council of Ministers meeting, working on the Hatay issue, and hosting King Carol II of Romania during his visit in June. He stayed onboard his newly arrived yacht, Savarona, until the end of July, after which his health again worsened and then he moved to a room arranged for him at the Dolmabahçe Palace.

[edit] Funeral

Mustafa Kemal's funeral arriving at the Ethnographic Museum, 1938
Mustafa Kemal's funeral arriving at the Ethnographic Museum, 1938

Atatürk died at the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, on November 10, 1938, 09:05am, at the age of 57. It is thought that he died of cirrhosis of the liver.[31] Atatürk's funeral called forth both sorrow and pride in Turkey, and seventeen countries sent special representatives, while nine contributed with armed detachments to the cortège.[32]

On November 1953, Mustafa Kemal's remains were taken from the Ethnography Museum of Ankara by 138 young reserve officers in a procession that stretched for two miles (3 km) including the President, the Premier, every Cabinet minister, every parliamentary deputy, every provincial governor and every foreign diplomat, while at the same time 21 million Turks stood motionless all over the country.[33] One admiral guarded a velvet cushion which bore the Medal of Independence; the only decoration, among many others held, that Atatürk preferred to wear. The Father of the Turks finally came to rest at his mausoleum, the Anıtkabir. An official noted: "I was on active duty during his funeral, when I shed bitter tears at the finality of death. Today I am not sad, for 15 years have taught me that Atatürk will never die."[33]

His lifestyle had always been strenuous. Alcohol consumption during dinner discussions, smoking, long hours of hard work, very little sleep, and working on his projects and dreams had been his way of life. As the historian Will Durant had said, "men devoted to war, politics, and public life wear out fast, and all three had been the passion of Atatürk."

[edit] Will

In his will written on September 5, 1938, he donated all of his possessions to the Republican People's Party, bound to the condition that, through the yearly interest of his funds, his sister Makbule and his adopted children will be looked after, the higher education of the children of İsmet İnönü will be funded, and the Turkish Language Association and Turkish Historical Society will be given the rest.

[edit] Publications

Atatürk published many books and kept a journal throughout his military carrier. Atatürk’s daily journals and military notes during the Ottoman period were published as a single collection. Another collection covered the period between 1923–1937 and indexes all the documents, notes, memorandums, communications (as a President) under multiple volumes, titled Atatürk'ün Bütün Eserleri (All Works of Atatürk).

The list of books edited and autored by Atatürk is given below ordered by the date of publication.

  1. "Tâbiye Meselesinin Halli ve Emirlerin Sureti Tahririne Dair Nesayih"
  2. "Takımın Muharebe Talimi", published in 1908 (Translation from German)
  3. "Cumalı Ordugâhı—Süvari: Bölük, Alay, Liva Talim ve Manevraları", published in 1909
  4. "Tâbiye ve Tatbikat Seyahati", published in 1911
  5. "Bölüğün Muharebe Talimi", published in 1912 (Translation from German)
  6. "Zabit ve Kumandan ile Hasbihal", published in 1918
  7. "Nutuk", by Mustafa Kemal, published in 1927
  8. "Vatandaş İçin Medeni Bilgiler", published in 1930 (For high school civic classes)
  9. "Geometry", by Mustafa Kemal, published in 1937 (For high school math classes)

[edit] See also

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[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Fığlalı, Ethem Ruhi (1993). "Atatürk And The Religion Of Islam". Atatürk Arastirma Dergisi IX (26). Ankara: Atatürk Araştırma Merkezi Başkanlığı. “On the other hand, in addition to his profound knowledge about Islamic culture, one an clearly conclude on the basis of his speeches and attitudes that he was a sincere believer.” 
  2. ^ a b c Karpat, "The Personality of Ataturk", pages 893-899
  3. ^ Turkish Embassy Web Side
  4. ^ Turkish Justice Department website, Article Ataturk
  5. ^ a b c d Doğum Yılı ve Doğum Günü (Turkish). Retrieved on 2007-11-10.
  6. ^ Mango, Atatürk, 27
  7. ^ Lord Kinross, Ataturk, 1964, pp.165, William Morrow and Company.
  8. ^ Lord Kinross, Ataturk, 1964, pp.77, William Morrow and Company.
  9. ^ a b Article: Turkey in the 21st century: The Legacy Of Mrs Ataturk (English). Pelin Turgut. The Independent (1 July 2006). Retrieved on 2007-09-29.
  10. ^ a b Article: Atatürk, his wife and her biographer (English). Emrah Güler. Turkish Daily News (25 August 2006). Retrieved on 2007-09-29.
  11. ^ BBC News Atatürk diaries to remain secret (Friday, 4 February, 2005)
  12. ^ Terra Anatolia—Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938)
  13. ^ Volkan, "Immortal", pages 221–255
  14. ^ Şevket, Tek Adam: Cilt I, Page: 20
  15. ^ a b c Karpat, "The Personality of Ataturk" page 897-898
  16. ^ Mahmut Goloğlu, (1971) Milli Mucadele Tarihi 5 Cilt (The history of national Struggle volumes I through V)
  17. ^ "Turkish Angora A Zoological Delight". "Pet Publishing Inc.". Retrieved on 2007-11-26.
  18. ^ History of Ataturk Orman Ciftigi. aoc@aoc.gov.tr. Retrieved on 2007-11-26. “"Yeşili görmeyen gözler renk zevkinden mahrumdur. Burasını öyle ağaçlandırınız ki kör bir insan dahi yeşillikler arsında olduğunu fark etsin" düşüncesi Atatürk Orman Çiftliği'nin kurulmasında en önemli etken olmuştur.”
  19. ^ Ataturk Orman Ciftigi Hayvanat Bahcesi. aoc@aoc.gov.tr. Retrieved on 2007-11-26. “Ulu Önder Atatürk, zamanýn Tarým Bakaný Muhlis ERKMEN’ e, daha modern bir hayvanat bahçesi kurulmasý direktiflerini vermiþlerdir.”
  20. ^ a b c Ethem Ruhi Fığlalı (1993) "Atatürk And The Religion Of Islam" Ataturk Aarastirma Merkezi Dergisi, Sayı 26, Cilt: IX.
  21. ^ a b c d Mango, Atatürk, 45
  22. ^ Kılıç Ali, Atatürk'ün Hususiyetleri, Ankara, 1930, p. 116.
  23. ^ Atatürk'ün Söylev ve Demeçleri, Ankara 1959 - 2nd. ed., vol. 11, p. 90.
  24. ^ Nutuk, vol. 11, p. 708.
  25. ^ Fığlalı "Atatürk And The Religion Of Islam" quote="But to mention that religion is a matter of relationship and communication between Allah and his servant [recited from Kılıç Ali, Atatürk'ün Hususiyetleri, Ankara, 1930, p. 116]."
  26. ^ a b c Jacob M. Landau (1984). Atatürk and the Modernization of Turkey. London ; New York: Univ. Chicago Press. ISBN 9004070702.  page 217
  27. ^ M.Orhan Tarhan "Should Government Teach Religion?" The Atatürk Society of America
  28. ^ Kılıç Ali, Atatürk'ün Hususiyetleri, Ankara, 1930, p. 57
  29. ^ A. Afet İnan, M. Kemal Atatürk'ten Yazdıklarım,İstanbul, 1971, pp. 85-6.
  30. ^ Ruşen Eşref Ünaydin, 1954, "Atatürk -Tarih ve Dil Kurumları Hatıraları" Türk Tarih Kurumu. page 28-31.
  31. ^ Kemal Atatürk. NNDB. Retrieved on 2007-08-07.
  32. ^ Mango, Atatürk 526
  33. ^ a b "The Burial of Atatürk", Time Magazine, Monday, 23 November 1953, pp. 37–39. Retrieved on 2007-08-07. 

[edit] References

Prints
  • Vamik D. Volkan and Norman Iskowitz (1984). The Immortal Atatürk. A Psychobiography. London ; New York: Univ. Chicago Press, 374. ISBN 978-0226863894. 
  • Mango, Andrew [1999] (2002). Ataturk: The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey, Paperback, Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press, Peter Mayer Publishers, Inc. ISBN 1-58567-334-x. 
  • Mango, Andrew (2004). Atatürk. London: John Murray. ISBN 978-0719565922. 
  • Şevket, Süreyya Aydemir (2003). Tek Adam: Cilt I. Remzi Kitabevi. ISBN 9751406722. 
Journals
  • Karpat, Kemal H. (October 1985). "The Personality of Ataturk". The American Historical Review 90: 893–899. New York: Macmillan. doi:10.2307/1858844. 
  • Volkan, Vamik D. (1981). "Immortal Atatürk—Narcissism and Creativity in a Revolutionary Leader". Psychoanalytic Study of Society 9: 221–255. New York: Psychohistory Press. ISSN 0079-7294. OCLC 60448681. 
  • Fığlalı, Ethem Ruhi (1993). "Atatürk And The Religion Of Islam". Atatürk Arastirma Dergisi IX (26). Ankara: Atatürk Araştırma Merkezi Başkanlığı. 
News
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