jjares reviewed Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the Republic of Turkey: The History of the Ottoman Empire?s Collapse and the Establishment of a New State on + 3275 more book reviews
The Ottoman Empire was encumbered by foreign financial influence, German military 'assistance,' and being pulled into a world war that would strain their resources (leading to starvation and severe suffering for the locals). When the war did not go their way, the Turks blamed the Armenians and started a war on their own people (as well as the enemy).
As Ataturk rose through the military, he paid close attention to what was going on around him. He was aware that the Ottoman Empire was "drenched with the Oriental predilection for secrecy, corruption, and intrigue." He wanted to establish a Turkish Revolution on the line of the French Revolution. He decided on a clear separation of church and state, which was a revolutionary idea for the time and country.
The fighting between the Ottoman Empire and the Allies ceased on the last day of October 1918 but it did not bring stability or peace to Turkey. Ataturk, using his military experience and diplomatic work, wrested control of the country during the Turkish Revolution. By the Treaty of Lausanne (July 24, 1923), Ataturk had control of things and refused to accept partitioning or being ruled by another country. He got the other countries to accept the Republic of Turkey as an independent country, and its capital at Ankara.
I was surprised that this book emphasized the wars and minimalized Ataturk's immense power of conviction and persuasion that he used to revolutionize his country. It did not mention that he had an alphabet created so that it looked like Western letters and words, made polygamy illegal (in contrast to Islam which allows 4 wives), he westernized the clothing, including banning the fez, improved education, and so many more things.
Four years ago, my husband and I went to Turkey and were impressed that the people of the country continue to revere this man. Everywhere one looks about in this country, Ataturk's influence is apparent. He may be one of the most underrated leaders of the 20th century.
As Ataturk rose through the military, he paid close attention to what was going on around him. He was aware that the Ottoman Empire was "drenched with the Oriental predilection for secrecy, corruption, and intrigue." He wanted to establish a Turkish Revolution on the line of the French Revolution. He decided on a clear separation of church and state, which was a revolutionary idea for the time and country.
The fighting between the Ottoman Empire and the Allies ceased on the last day of October 1918 but it did not bring stability or peace to Turkey. Ataturk, using his military experience and diplomatic work, wrested control of the country during the Turkish Revolution. By the Treaty of Lausanne (July 24, 1923), Ataturk had control of things and refused to accept partitioning or being ruled by another country. He got the other countries to accept the Republic of Turkey as an independent country, and its capital at Ankara.
I was surprised that this book emphasized the wars and minimalized Ataturk's immense power of conviction and persuasion that he used to revolutionize his country. It did not mention that he had an alphabet created so that it looked like Western letters and words, made polygamy illegal (in contrast to Islam which allows 4 wives), he westernized the clothing, including banning the fez, improved education, and so many more things.
Four years ago, my husband and I went to Turkey and were impressed that the people of the country continue to revere this man. Everywhere one looks about in this country, Ataturk's influence is apparent. He may be one of the most underrated leaders of the 20th century.
