Kemal Ataturk –Modernization and Westernization: Mustafa Kemal was the leader of the Atatürks. Ataturk means father of the Turks. He was often compared to Peter the Great of Russia. Mustafa pushed for a program of radical reforms so he could modernize Turkey. Modernizing Turkey was his main goal and his plan was to modernize along the west and form a secular state there so religion and government could be separated. Mustafa declared Turkey a republic. The effects of Ataturk was many; Ataturk replaced Islamic law,change of the Muslim calendar using a Christian calendar, change in the day of rest for Muslims from Friday moved to Sunday, Arabic script was changed to Latin. All of these changes were made by following the Christian ways. Other ways Kemal westernized Turkey was by making people dress like they do in the west. Kemal closed religious schools and changed them to state schools. Also Kemal made many changes for women by westernizing them. Women no longer had to wear veils as a part of their religion and women were allowed to vote. Under Ataturk industry expanded, roads and railroads were built along with factories. Ataturk was looked at as a hero for transforming Turkey by making Turkey more modern, stronger, and powerful.
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Review Questions:
1. What was Kemal's main goal for Turkey?
2. Do you think Kemal left a long lasting legacy? Why?
1. What was Kemal's main goal for Turkey?
2. Do you think Kemal left a long lasting legacy? Why?