Who is a Kemalist?

A KEMALIST is, first and foremost, someone who is devoted to their nation. This is synonymous with love for the homeland. They find happiness in the nation to which they belong. As Atatürk put it, this is expressed by the phrase, "How happy is the one who says I am a Turk." The love for the nation in this maxim does not imply self-centeredness, such as "viewing one's own nation as superior to every other race." It is opposed to the fascist view of national supremacy. It simply means not looking down on other nations and taking pride in one's own. This fundamental principle distinguishes Atatürk's nationalism from ideologies that view their own nation as superior. It does not look down on anyone.

Kemalism (Atatürkism) as a system of thought is based on a contemporary worldview. Because these views are opposed to both the right and the left, supporters of both ideologies seek to make them misunderstood. However, a Kemalist is a third perspective and a third way that rejects both of these views. It is the talisman for the survival of oppressed nations. It desires for nations to live freely and as brothers, and to respect one another. It stands with oppressed nations. It is against all forms of imperialism. The starting point of the War of Independence should be sought in this opposition to imperialism.

A KEMALIST is secular. They do not accept the interference of religion in worldly affairs and leave every individual free in their religion. They do not treat the nation as a religious community. They view the roles of mullahs, dervishes, and hodjas strictly through the lens of religious figures; they never accept their involvement in politics.

A KEMALIST is a Republican. This is Republicanism in a democratic sense. From the very beginning of the War of Independence, Atatürk was determined to open the "Grand National Assembly." The Sivas and Erzurum congresses were the preparations for this. Atatürk's speeches in the First Grand National Assembly and his respect for the deputies have still not been forgotten. Atatürk would sweat for days at the parliamentary podium to explain a subject to the assembly. The fact that he would tap his pen on the desk to request the floor each time is evidence of this.

A KEMALIST is populist. This is a system that is on the side of the people and oriented toward the people. The greatest proof of this is that even as he entered İzmir, Atatürk said on the battlefield, "I will establish a populist party based on every class of the people." This thought shows that he would prioritize the poor Turkish people above all else.

A KEMALIST is a statist. This statism does not aim to side with the wealthy, as some might think, but rather to help the poor. In doing so, it adopts the principle of standing with the people and not allowing them to be crushed by the wealthy.

In the structure of Atatürk's statism, "developing Turkey" is the greatest goal. In this respect, Atatürk is in no way a defender of capitalism.

A KEMALIST is a revolutionary. They are always open to the course of the world and to innovations. In fact, a single thread connects the other "five main principles." Therefore, it is necessary to understand the revolutionary nature of Atatürkism well.