It has been 87 years since Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who inspired a nation with the fire of the National Struggle and ensured Anatolia became a homeland, passed away. Today, the Republic of Türkiye celebrates its 102nd year.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born in 1881 in Thessaloniki.
Following his mother Zübeyde Hanım's wishes, he began primary education at Hafız Mehmet Efendi's local school and later completed it at Şemsi Efendi School as his father Ali Rıza Efendi wished.
He left the Selanik Mülkiye Rüştiyesi middle school of his own will and continued his education at Selanik Military School, graduating second in his class from Manastır Military High School.
Alongside military education, he studied foreign languages, taking French lessons in Thessaloniki during summer breaks.
In 1899, Atatürk entered the Military Academy in Istanbul, graduating as a lieutenant in 1902. He then completed the Military Staff College in 1905 as a staff captain.
Assigned to the 5th Army in Damascus for his staff internship, he received the Mecidi Nişanı for distinguished service in Syria.
In 1907, he joined the 3rd Army Headquarters in Manastır and served in the staff branch in Thessaloniki. During this time, he took part in suppressing the 31 March Incident in 1909 and was involved in operations against uprisings in Albania and the Italian invasion of Tripoli, where he successfully commanded Turkish forces in Tobruk and Derne.
Appointed Commander in Derne on March 6, 1912, Atatürk participated in the Balkan Wars, helping recapture Dimetoka and Edirne.
"There is no duty higher than defending the homeland"
After the Balkan Wars, Atatürk served as military attaché in Sofia. When World War I began, he requested to serve on the frontlines and was assigned to the 19th Division under Esat Pasha in Tekirdağ.
During the Gallipoli Campaign, enemy forces advancing to Conkbayırı were repelled under his command. Atatürk inspired his troops with the words: "If you have no ammunition, you have your bayonets.
" He survived a near-fatal shrapnel injury thanks to his pocket watch. His leadership at Gallipoli earned him the title "Hero of Anafartalar."
Later, he commanded the 16th Corps on the Eastern Front, retaking Bitlis and Muş from Russian forces in 1916 and earning a promotion to general.
From Occupation to National Struggle
Assigned to the 7th Army in Palestine and Syria in 1917, Atatürk refused later command posts and remained in Istanbul under the General Staff.
He observed German military operations and reported on British intentions to occupy Iskenderun. After resigning from his official duties, he secretly left Istanbul for Samsun to start the War of Independence.
On May 19, 1919, Atatürk arrived in Samsun and issued the Amasya Circular on June 22, 1919, declaring the nation's independence and the need for a congress in Sivas to organize the struggle.
He chaired the Erzurum (July 23, 1919) and Sivas (September 4, 1919) Congresses, establishing the groundwork for the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).
The Republic is Born
The TBMM convened on April 23, 1920, with Atatürk as its leader. Anadolu Ajansı (Anatolian Agency) was founded on April 6, 1920, under his directive to publicize the National Struggle.
Despite the Treaty of Sèvres (August 10, 1920), Atatürk rejected it and declared it null and void, emphasizing that Türkiye's sovereignty would be defended at all costs.
He led the Turkish Army to victory in key battles, including the First and Second İnönü, the Battle of Sakarya, and the Great Offensive (Büyük Taarruz), ultimately liberating Anatolia from enemy occupation.
The Treaty of Lausanne, signed on July 24, 1923, secured Türkiye's independence and international recognition.
On October 29, 1923, the Republic of Türkiye was declared, and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk became its first president, serving until his death in 1938.
During his presidency, he implemented major reforms in governance, economy, agriculture, and foreign policy, including industrial planning, regional treaties, and modernization of Turkish agriculture.
He personally oversaw the integration of Hatay into Türkiye, calling it "my personal matter," which was achieved in 1939.
Atatürk passed away at 57 on November 10, 1938, at Dolmabahçe Palace, leaving a lasting legacy of independence, sovereignty, and reform.
