12 Major Accomplishments of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881 – 1938) was a Turkish politician, writer and soldier who became the founder and first president of Turkey (1923 – 1938) shortly after the demise of the Ottoman Empire post World War I (WWI).
Kemal Atatürk began his career as a brave army commander in the Ottoman Empire’s army. He uplifted the men who served under him and led them to some significant battle wins during WWI. After fighting against the puppet Ottoman Sultanate in Istanbul (formerly Constantinople), Kemal’s effort, along with his nationalist associates in Ankara, led to the Ottoman Emperor fleeing. Kemal then went on to became the leader the Republic of Turkey, which was founded in 1923.
During his presidency, his sweeping reforms and programs had (and still have) an enormous impact on modern Turkey, turning the country into a beacon of secularism over the years.
Owing to his numerous contributions, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk remains the most honored personality in his country with his image, busts and statutes in every nook and cranny of Turkey. Outside the political arena, Atatürk was a renowned orator and author.
Delve right into the extraordinary life and major accomplishments of Mustapha Kemal Atatürk , founding father and first president of Turkey. But first here is a quick look at his major facts.
Quick Facts about Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Birth Date and Place – 1881; Salonica, Ottoman Empire (present -ay Thessaloniki, Greece)
Death Date and Place – November 10, 1938; Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
Born – Ali Rıza oğlu Mustafa
Parents – Ali Rıza Efendi and Zubeyde Hanim
Education – Şemsi Efendi School, War College in Istanbul (1899 – 1902), General Staff College (1902 – 1905)
Spouse – Latife Uşaklıgil
Children – None
Offices held: Prime Minister of the Government of the Grand National Assembly (1920 – 1921); Speaker of the Grand National Assembly (1920 – 1923); Leader of the Republican People’s Party (1923 – 1938); President of Turkey (1923 – 1938)
Successor – İsmet İnönü (first Prime Minister of Turkey)
Political Party – Republican People’s Party (Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi )
Other names – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Mustafa Kemal Pasha
Famous for – Founder of the Republic of Turkey, First President of Turkey (1923 – 1938)
Ideologies – Secularism and Nationalism
Major Accomplishments of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
He was a very distinguished soldier in the Ottoman Empire
Mustafa Kemal’s military journey began at quite an early age, graduating from a number of military academies with flying colors. There was no doubt whatsoever that he was going to play a crucial part in the then Ottoman Empire. From very small beginning in the early 15th century, the Empire had grown to vast, covering provinces on three separate continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Although he was introduced to secular ideas right from his high school days, Mustafa Kemal, who was by the way an anti-monarchist, still showed a high sense of loyalty and patriotism to the Ottoman during his time in the military. He volunteered to serve in several provinces across the Empire, including in present-day Libya, Albania and Syria. For example, he and his men fought very hard to overpower a far larger Italian force in Libya in the Battle of Tobruk in December 1911. Prior to the start of WWI, he featured in the first and second Balkan Wars (1912-1913).
Military victory at the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915
After the outbreak of WWI, Mustafa Kemal, then stationed at Sofia, Bulgaria, was put in charge of the 19th Division at the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Ottoman Empire had chosen to join forces with the Central Powers that included Germany, Austria-Hungry, and Bulgaria. Their forces were pitted against the Allied nations of Italy, Great Britain, France and Greece.
Kemal’s post at Gallipoli was a very strategic place because it allowed the Allies to make an effective landing. However, the sheer bravery and quick thinking of Mustafa Kemal proved crucial in pushing the Allies out of Gallipoli.
Although the Ottomans eventually lost the war to 