Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

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Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (lived c. 1881—1938, in office 1923—1938) was a Turkish field marshal, revolutionary statesman, author, and the founding father of the modern Republic of Türkiye. He was Türkiye’s first president. Atatürk undertook sweeping progressive reforms, turning Türkiye into a modern, secular, and industrial nation. His reforms included making primary education free and compulsory, opening thousands of schools, converting the Turkish alphabet into a European one, and giving women the right to vote. Mustafa Kemal was given the name “Atatürk,” which means “Father of the Turks,” by the Turkish Parliament in 1934.

Synonyms:
atatürk, ataturk
Alternative Meanings:
  • Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

    Mustafa Kemal or Atatürk (lived 1881—1938), was the first president and founding father of modern Türkiye. During WWI, when Türkiye sided with the Germans, Mustafa Kemal became the hero of the Battle of Gallipoli, defending it from attacks by the British, French, Australians, and New Zealanders. After WWI was lost, Mustafa Kemal led the Turkish National Movement, including armies that resisted the partition of Türkiye between the victorious allied powers. He abolished the Ottoman sultanate in 1922 and proclaimed the Turkish Republic. Given the name Atatürk (Father of the Turks) by the Grand National Assembly, Atatürk initiated sweeping reforms to build a modern, progressive, and secular nation. He made education free and compulsory, opened thousands of schools, and introduced a Latin-based alphabet. He also gave women equal civil and political rights and voting rights.

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