Trying to understand Atatürk

The philosophy of history defines a historical personality—whether they represent the materialist or idealist school—as both a product of the society from which they emerge and as a figure capable of influencing and leaving their mark on the destiny of that society.

Şevket Süreyya Aydemir, author of 'The Only Man' (Tek Adam), who penned the most detailed and qualified biography on Atatürk, says of him: “Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is also a historical figure. This figure also has a role in the course of history. A role strong and effective enough to leave a mark on the destiny of the Turkish society from which he emerged and to direct the events of his era. In this respect, his intervention in the destiny of his nation is beyond doubt…” he says.

Atatürk  was an anti-imperialist leader.

               Atatürk was an anti-imperialist leader, and the Turkish War of Independence  was an anti-imperialist war.  In addition to leading the establishment of a modern state in Turkey, by intervening in the developments of our age,  he also became a leader  for the national liberation movements of all colonial and semi-colonial countries.

For instance, on January 3, 1922; "....All oppressed nations will one day destroy and eliminate their oppressors. Then the words oppressor and oppressed will be removed from the face of the earth, and humanity will attain a social state worthy of itself.." 

and

 on July 7, 1922, "If Turkey's current struggle were only on its own behalf and for its own account, it might have been shorter, less bloody, and ended quickly. .. Because what it defends is the cause of all oppressed nations, of the entire East"  and  until this is brought to an end, Turkey is certain that the Eastern nations that are with it will walk together with it," he said.

               Kemalist  Prominent Principles of the Ideology: Populism and Statism

It is necessary to define the characteristics of the Kemalist ideology, in other words, the Atatürkist ideology, based on his speeches and actions, as well as the principles of the Republican People's Party (CHP) which he founded. 

As is known, these principles were Republicanism, Populism, Nationalism, Statism, Secularism, and Reformism (Revolutionism).

In this context, Atatürk's emphasis on "Populism" among the principles he envisioned for rebuilding Turkish society holds special importance.

In various speeches, he would say, "We are in the era of the people, we are a People's Government, and we will practice Populism," and he defined Populism as a "social profession that bases the social order on the rights of labor." 

Atatürk and his colleagues saw salvation in Populism. 

Populism meant that the working classes would directly seize power against capitalism, the landlords, and the rule of the notables.

On the other hand, economic historians report that the economic policies of the Atatürk era possessed different characteristics in two successive phases.

It is observed that between 1923 and 1929, a reconstruction approach under open economy conditions prevailed, yet theses advocating for moderate protectionism and facilitating the transfer of control over economic life to national elements were brought to the forefront.

During this phase, while there were approaches that envisioned supporting foreign capital under certain conditions, the nationalization of railways and the tobacco monopoly stood out. It was preferred that ports be operated by domestic companies granted concessions by the state.

In the 1930–1939 phase, it was observed that two defining characteristics in terms of economic policy, namely 'protectionism and statism,' came to the fore.

It can be said that the Great Depression, which the capitalist world economy was experiencing in the 1930s, had an impact on this orientation.

In this phase, it is observed that the state emerged as the primary investor and producer in productive areas outside of agriculture; for instance, it became dominant in railways and maritime transport, municipal services, energy, the industrial and mining sectors, as well as in services such as agricultural infrastructure, health, and education.

It is known that the state programmed its activities and investments in these areas within the First Five-Year Industrial Plan starting from 1934.

These practices, characterized as 'statism,' played a leading role in Turkey's industrialization and development. 

However, viewing statism practices solely as activities to build an economic infrastructure is an incomplete definition; these activities also served important functions in creating social and cultural centers and in the development of society.

According to Atatürk, statism can also be perceived as a defense system developed against the intervention of imperialism.

To protect national industry and keep the Turkish economy alive against external   attacks, development and industrialization through the state were targeted.

Atatürk had shown the goal of modernization

Atatürk had shown the goal of modernization. However, he was not a Westernist. It is known that during the Atatürk era, terms such as 'becoming contemporary' and 'reaching the level of contemporary civilization' were preferred instead of the word 'Westernization'.

This term,  It can be defined as the entirety of Atatürk's  revolutions and principles, which he implemented to elevate the Turkish  society above the level of contemporary civilization. 

For Atatürk,  it can be said that  the fundamental goal of modernization is that it serves as an indispensable tool for the Republic of Turkey to exist forever.

According to him; “the phenomenon of modernization is not an imitation of the West  or a desire to imitate Europe. Becoming a partner in contemporary civilization is only possible by perceiving this civilization as a whole. In this context, the only way to modernize is to adopt the  dominant  and  at that time unrivaled Western civilization, along with its science, culture, and technology.” 

“Gentlemen! In the world, for everything; for civilization, for life, for success, the truest guide is science and knowledge. Seeking a guide other than science and knowledge is carelessness, ignorance, and error,” he said, expressing the most prominent dimensions of modernization.

It can be said that; instead of modernization,  Westernization  to highlight his approach, to the West, to Europe  means to submit to Western dictates at the expense of losing one's essence. 

In this context, Atatürk's discourse serves as a warning.

In his opening speech to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on March 6, 1922, he said: "A mentality has emerged that believes one must necessarily take advice from Europe to improve the situation, conduct all affairs according to Europe's ambitions, and take all lessons from Europe. Yet, what independence has ever been able to rise through the advice and plans of foreigners? History has never recorded such an event." he said.

 In summary, it can be said that two fundamental characteristics of Atatürk  stand out in terms of politics.

The first of these was his courage to say "No" to the surrender imposed upon the Turks by imperial powers after the First World War, and his ability to organize a resistance  to  drive them into the sea and become the founder of a modern state.

 The second was his ability to demonstrate that Eastern peoples could successfully conclude a consistent and hopeful resistance against the West's  colonization practices.

This was as much his universal aspect as it was his response to Orientalism.