A lament for tolerance

Tolerance is what humanity has needed most since the day it first existed. Voltaire once said, "Tolerance is the most beautiful aspect of a person." In my opinion, tolerance is essentially the face of a soul reflected outward.

Our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was tolerant and forgiving throughout every period of his life. In 1936, at a ball for the Child Protection Agency at the Ankara Palas Hotel, he said the following regarding tolerance and forgiveness: "Civilization means forgiveness and tolerance. It is primitive societies that harbor blood feuds. A civilization not based on forgiveness and tolerance is a civilization based on tyranny, and it will collapse... That is not civilization. Our principle is the good, the beautiful, and the true... There is no truth without the good and the beautiful... It is the constant, ever-present, and universal togetherness of the good, the beautiful, and the true. Always and everywhere, forgiveness and tolerance... However, and only in national causes, in our national development, and in our work that has consequences and effects on society, there is no place for tolerance. Only primitive societies fuel and harbor personal grudges and personal enmities." (Source: Anecdotes from Atatürk / Atatürk Research and Education Center - ATAREM)

The democratic society model that Atatürk sought to create includes a structure where there is no oppression, where ideas are expressed freely, where the consciousness of citizenship is developed, and where tolerance prevails in every field. In this society model, there is no place for individuals who are subjects, servants, disciples, or mere followers, as desired by oppressive regimes. Atatürk only failed to show tolerance to those longing for the sultanate regime who wanted to drag the future of the Turkish nation into darkness.

Atatürk preferred to learn the reasons for criticism and disrespect directed at him, and to eliminate those causes if necessary, rather than punishing those who criticized or disrespected him.

An incident recounted by Cemal Granda is the most typical example of this attitude:

"The TEKEL administration had banned the sale of cigarette paper: those who smoked contraband tobacco and had the money could obtain this paper on the black market, but the public, and especially the majority of the peasants, were forced to roll their cigarettes with newspaper.

One day, a citizen was smoking a cigarette prepared this way in a town or village coffeehouse, and complaining about its foul smell, he began to say whatever came to his mouth against Atatürk, blaming him for all the good and bad. Those present in the coffeehouse drew up a report. The matter was referred to the government. Since being found guilty of crimes against the President depends on his permission and approval, the relevant authorities presented the matter to him and requested permission to investigate. They said, 'We are taking him to court.'

When Atatürk asked for the reason, they replied, 'He insulted you, Pasha.' Atatürk, feeling somewhat saddened by this situation, asked: 'What have I done to him?'

They examined the documents and explained: 'The paper caught fire while he was lighting the cigarette he rolled with newspaper.'

It was a member of parliament who told this to Atatürk. Atatürk asked the deputy: 'Have you ever smoked a cigarette rolled with cigarette paper?' The deputy replied: 'No, sir.'

'I smoked it when I was in Tripoli. I know. It is a terrible thing. The man is right. If it were me, I would have done the same. There is no need for prosecution. Instead of taking him to court for this, ensure that he can smoke cigarettes like a human being.'

Every morning when we pick up the newspaper, we see news of violence against a healthcare worker, a teacher, a journalist, or a woman with astonishment.

While we see that no tolerance is shown to many citizens, young or old, for acts considered insults to the President, and that criminal prosecutions are initiated against them, we watch with sorrow and as a cautionary tale how the daily disrespect shown to the spiritual personality of the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is viewed with tolerance.

Seeing how far the Turkish society of today has drifted from the feelings of tolerance and forgiveness and how tense it has become, as a citizen, one feels like singing a "lament for tolerance."

On the anniversary of his death, I wonder how many countries have passed laws to prevent insults to the memory of their founding leader—who dedicated his 57-year life to his society and tried to make tolerance prevail in social life—and to punish those who destroy, break, deface, or pollute the statues, busts, monuments, and tomb that represent him, instead of commemorating him with gratitude?

On the 100th anniversary of the founding of our Republic, I respectfully commemorate our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who had a great contribution to everything we possess, and who guided and elevated society with his forgiveness and tolerance.