Kemalism/Atatürkism

Abstract

By both Kemalism and Atatürkism, reference is made to the thought patterns and views of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938), the founder of the Republic of Turkey (below “Turkey”), which was established in 1923. The founder’s given name was “Mustafa.” His mathematics teacher bestowed on him the additional name of Kemal (meaning perfection, maturity), because he considered Mustafa a very intelligent pupil. Following Turkey’s adoption of the use of surnames in 1934, the Turkish parliament conferred upon Mustafa Kemal the surname of Atatürk (Father of the Turks). “Kemalism” was not a term widely used in Turkey until after the death of Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk). Although parliamentarian S¸eref Aykut wrote a book titled “Kamâlism” in 1936 (Haniog˘lu, 2011: 193), there was no reference to that term in civics textbooks until 1938 (Alkan, 1980: 37-48). In later years, the usual term became “Atatürkism” rather than “Kemalism.” All along, Atatürkism has had a positive connotation, implying what was admired in Atatürk’s thought pattern and views. Various persons and groups, including political parties, have attempted to legitimize their views/policies by referring to themselves as “Atatürkist.”1 In contrast, particularly in the post-1980 period, “Kemalism” has been used by those critical of “Kemalist policies and acts.” Some members of the intelligentsia who share those critical views have even talked of a need for a “Second Republic” (Ikinci Cumhuriyet) in Turkey.2