Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk) and the modernization of Turkey

Mustafa Kemal was known as "The Father of Modern Turkey." He brought changes to Turkey after WWI when the Allied Forces were victorious and the split of the Ottoman Empire. Not only was he considered the above title but also seen as the George Washington of Turkey. He was the first president of the country for 15 years. Kemal was also given the name "Ataturk" which means father Turk. Although he was given that name doesn't mean it came easily. He had to first make some changes in Turkey. Mostly secular which in this case means more modern less religious. He believes that the people of Turkey should first start dressing more like the people of Europe rather than what their religion says. He doesn't want them to be stuck in the past. One of the changes he made that was secular and that to do with his people appearance was the Fez. The Fez was a hat that men of the Muslim religion wore. Kemal called those people uncivilized for wearing a Fez that it is not a real hat. They should wear something that is actually a hat. As for women, he wanted them to stop wearing a veil.

The thing that made Kemal different from other leaders was that he let people practice their religion. The Ottoman Empire was special because it was a fully Muslim nation. After Kemal came into scene things changed. Kemal also cared for the peasants. The peasants finally became important within society because in the Ottoman Empire they were really forgotten. Overall Kemal brought multiple changes to Turkey that mimicked the western world whether it is clothes or way of life. That is why he is known as what he was "The Father of Turkey."