Cyprus-Forum.com

[cypezokyli]

well, the true is that i dont really know much about the guy... so i thought of asking.

from our point of view, -i guess- we dont like him bc we connect him to the killing of greeks (christians) in northern turkey...what we call pontos,
and i guess bc he defeated the greek army in 1922 .

otherwise it seems that he is considered as an important figure for turks and tcs. so what did he do for the turkish people or the turkish state? why is he admired that much?

thanks

[andytandreou]

Hi cypezokyli. I too wish to know about this guy. I keep hearing his name but have no idea how important he is to his people.

Can I just ask everyone to stick to the subject this time. Correct any misunderstandings if you must but PLEASE don't go on to have a 12-page rant and fight about Papadopoullos and Talat. Let show some civility for once!!!

[garbitsch]

Well, I do not know where to start, but we consider Ataturk (well we are expected to consider) as the great leader of all Turks for a couple of reasons:
1- He gave an end to the sick man of Europe (Ottoman) by abolishing Sultanate and Khaliphate (head of all Muslims). He turned the empire into a democratic secular republic.
2- He gave the franchise to the people (both men and women).
3- He changed the Arabic script to Latin alphabet. That was necessary, since the Arabic script was very difficult to learn, and the majority of people were illiterate.
4- He made land reforms and went for industrialisation.
5- Although he had to strike his opponents, after the establishment of the republic, he supported the idea of "Peace at home, peace in the world". With this idea, he established good relationships with neighbouring countries, especially with Greece. He and Venizelos were gradually integrating both countries' economies and some people believe the main aim was to unify both countries under a federal structure. But this idea was later put away, because of the second world war.
6- He abolished Tekkes and Zaviyes, and forbade the use of head scarves (those black ones) and fes and urged people to wear like people in Western countries.

The list goes on and on. I think the best source to know about Ataturk is a book by Andrew Mango, titled "Ataturk". I strictly urge you guys to read the book.

[Bananiot]

Ataturk and Eleftherios Venizelos signed a pack of friendship and non agression between Greece and Turkey, something the Greek and Turkish nationalists conveniently forget. And, by the way, his real name was Mustafa Kemal and he originates from Salonica.

[ELLAS H TEFRA!]

Well, I do not know where to start, but we consider Ataturk (well we are expected to consider) as the great leader of all Turks for a couple of reasons:
1- He gave an end to the sick man of Europe (Ottoman) by abolishing Sultanate and Khaliphate (head of all Muslims). He turned the empire into a democratic secular republic.
2- He gave the franchise to the people (both men and women).
3- He changed the Arabic script to Latin alphabet. That was necessary, since the Arabic script was very difficult to learn, and the majority of people were illiterate.
4- He made land reforms and went for industrialisation.
5- Although he had to strike his opponents, after the establishment of the republic, he supported the idea of "Peace at home, peace in the world". With this idea, he established good relationships with neighbouring countries, especially with Greece. He and Venizelos were gradually integrating both countries' economies and some people believe the main aim was to unify both countries under a federal structure. But this idea was later put away, because of the second world war.
6- He abolished Tekkes and Zaviyes, and forbade the use of head scarves (those black ones) and fes and urged people to wear like people in Western countries.

The list goes on and on. I think the best source to know about Ataturk is a book by Andrew Mango, titled "Ataturk". I strictly urge you guys to read the book.

Since when is a militarized state that is controlled by the army considered democratic??


Arent the levels of illiteracy still considerably high??

Who can challenge the fact that arming yourself to the teeth, becoming the closest military ally to the US in the region, allowing ICBM missiles armed with nuclear war heads to be stationed in Turkey and targeted against the Soviets, invading Cyprus, and constantly threatening the peace in the Aegean not a policy of following a "peace at home, peace in the world" ideology!


Excellent relationships with Kurdistan, Armenia, Greece, and Cyprus...

[garbitsch]

If you do not shout in your posts, I will be willing to discuss with you. The topic was about Ataturk, not Turkish Republic itself!

[garbitsch]

Since when is a militarized state that is controlled by the army considered democratic??:?

The topic is about Ataturk

Arent the levels of illiteracy still considerably high??

Illiteracy was 90%. Now it is around 13%. (12% in Malta)

Who can challenge the fact that arming yourself to the teeth, becoming the closest military ally to the US in the region, allowing ICBM missiles armed with nuclear war heads to be stationed in Turkey and targeted against the Soviets, invading Cyprus, and constantly threatening the peace in the Aegean not a policy of following a "peace at home, peace in the world" ideology!

This has nothing to do with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

Excellent relationships with Kurdistan, Armenia, Greece, and Cyprus

ditto

[Piratis]

garbitsch, what do you mean those things have nothing to do with Ataturk? Is Turkey today diverting from what Ataturk would like? Would Ataturk not approve the hostile attitude of Turkey towards some of its neighbors (including Cyprus)?

[garbitsch]

He wouldn't approve it Piratis. He would find another way out. Ataturk's ideas and personality were idolised by the ruling and military elite after he died!

[Piratis]

If thats the case then I guess some people in Turkey are simply using Ataturks name without actually following his ideas.

Everybody in Turkey likes Ataturk? How about the Islamists?