Mustafa Kemal and the Modernization of Turkey.

The Ottoman Empire was one of the largest empires in history. The empire was a Major Muslim dominated empire. However, like every other major empire in history, it eventually reached its downfall. The Ottoman empire was on the losing side of World War 1. They were working with Germany. With this the Ottoman empire broke up and was split up into many countries. One of those was Turkey. Mustafa Kemal became its first president. His principles were stated as the "Six Arrows". This was his drive, his purpose and his values which defined everything he did and was reason behind everything he did. The Six Arrows were republicanism, populism, secularism, reformism, nationalism, and statism. He made sure that all the aspects of the Turkey government was separated. This was called secularism.
Mustafa wanted to give his country a modern look. He made some changes, or 'reforms'. In his ideas, secular government and education played a major role. Also: the fez with European hats, women stopped wearing the veil, every citized took surnames, and the islamic calendar gave wya to the Western calendar.
Secular- Seperation of state and religion.
Did you know?
- In 1905, Mustafa graduated from his military school as 'Staff Captain'