Secularization of Turkey:Secularization of Turkey was greatly influenced by Mustafa Kemal who was the leader of the Ataturks. Modernization by the Ataturks included the replacement of Islamic law, the discard of the Muslim calendar to change to a Christian calendar, a change in the day of rest for Muslims from Friday now moved to Sunday just like the Christian ways, Arabic script was changed to Latin, and the closing of religious schools and a change to state schools to prepare young Turks for the challenges of modern society. These changes were all based upon European models and European society. Along with these changes came changes for women. Women no longer had to wear veils as a part of their religion and women were allowed to vote. Polygamy which was the custom of allowing men to have more say than their wives was banned. This new freedom for women came to women being able to work outside the home. All of these changes under Ataturk led to expanding industry in Turkey. Turkey wanted to become economically independent. This led to Turkey hiring westerners for economic help to help achieve their goal. Ataturk was often looked at as a hero for transforming Turkey and there is no doubt that he made Turkey more modern, stronger, and powerful. The negative side to all of this is that Turkish Muslims didn’t see him this way and avoided his secular government. They saw the Quaram and Islamic customs providing all guidance needed. This change and modernization of Turkey wasn’t always agreed on by everyone but it did make Turkey more economically independent. |
Excerpt from a public address by Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk), February 2, 1923 Mustafa Kemal—who later took the name Atatürk, “father of the Turks”—was the founder and first leader of the Republic of Turkey following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. |
Review Questions:
1. Who influenced modernization in Turkey and why?
2. Do you think the effects of modernization in Turkey are positive or negative? Why?
1. Who influenced modernization in Turkey and why?
2. Do you think the effects of modernization in Turkey are positive or negative? Why?