Email Interview Transcripts
Assistant Professor Side Emre
Faculty, Department of History, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Transcript withheld at interviewee's request.
Kenan Aga
Vice Consul, Turkish Consulate in Houston, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Turkey
1) How has Ataturk impacted US-Turkish relations?
I want to quote one of Ataturk's speech (year: 1925) about Turkish-US relations:
"I would like to mention a few words about the natural origin of the undeniable sincere relationship between the people of Turkey and those of the United States of America. The Turks are already a Democratic Nation. If this true fact has not been understood by today’s civilized world I must direct attention to the remarkable comments made by our Ambassador regarding the last days of the Ottoman Empire. On the other hand, the American people have always relied and depended on democracy to identify them as a nation since their inception. It has been through this blessing that they have been placed amongst today’s civilized world as a new nation (country). This has given them acceptance as a new nation. Thus the Turkish people feel a strong sentiment of love and understanding towards the American people. I do hope that the observation of this fact will encourage further dialog and warm relations between the two nations; but this will not be all!
Dear Americans as a proud representative of the Turkish nation, I give you this as a goal and sole purpose of the new Turkish people. I have no doubt that the American nation who has already reached this ultimate goal shall understand and join the new Turkish nation. I am sure that this will also allow the rest of the civilised world to have more good will towards one another and ERASE all past negative FABLES and experiences; thus leading the world towards a more peaceful and lawful existence."
As you see, although diplomatic relations between Turkey and USA had began very late and Ataturk had no chance to visit the USA, you can see from his speech that American nation's successes and visions are through his ultimate goal and advise of "reach to civilized nation's level" to Turkey people.
2) Without Ataturk, where would Turkey be today?
It is not easy to look at history with this kind of hypotethical questions. But we can say that as a very distinctive historical leader/figure, Atatürk is Turkish nation's coming into existence. With or without him, there is no doubt that Turkey had to be founded after WW1 sooner or later, but we had to wait more and more to fulfill his reforms. Ataturk's and Turkey's destinies were merged into one body.
3) How was opposition under the rule of Ataturk dealt with?
As an ideal to reach and to practice democracy, Ataturk had encouraged of founding new political parties. Unfortunately, conditions were not suitable enough for these new movements. After a devastating first world war, empires collapsed, new nations/countries emerged, all news nationalisms tried to live.
As a young country, Turkey was also trying to reinforce its bases. Under these circumstances, there were some rebellions against new Turkish Republic, which were mostly inclined by rivals of the country. To defeat those rebellions and to provide peace once again, some military measures had to be taken. Also Turkish Grand Assembly enacted new laws to prevent new separatist attempts against Turkish people. I hope my answers could provide you some insights. If you have any other questions/requests, please don't hesitate to contact us in the future.
I want to quote one of Ataturk's speech (year: 1925) about Turkish-US relations:
"I would like to mention a few words about the natural origin of the undeniable sincere relationship between the people of Turkey and those of the United States of America. The Turks are already a Democratic Nation. If this true fact has not been understood by today’s civilized world I must direct attention to the remarkable comments made by our Ambassador regarding the last days of the Ottoman Empire. On the other hand, the American people have always relied and depended on democracy to identify them as a nation since their inception. It has been through this blessing that they have been placed amongst today’s civilized world as a new nation (country). This has given them acceptance as a new nation. Thus the Turkish people feel a strong sentiment of love and understanding towards the American people. I do hope that the observation of this fact will encourage further dialog and warm relations between the two nations; but this will not be all!
Dear Americans as a proud representative of the Turkish nation, I give you this as a goal and sole purpose of the new Turkish people. I have no doubt that the American nation who has already reached this ultimate goal shall understand and join the new Turkish nation. I am sure that this will also allow the rest of the civilised world to have more good will towards one another and ERASE all past negative FABLES and experiences; thus leading the world towards a more peaceful and lawful existence."
As you see, although diplomatic relations between Turkey and USA had began very late and Ataturk had no chance to visit the USA, you can see from his speech that American nation's successes and visions are through his ultimate goal and advise of "reach to civilized nation's level" to Turkey people.
2) Without Ataturk, where would Turkey be today?
It is not easy to look at history with this kind of hypotethical questions. But we can say that as a very distinctive historical leader/figure, Atatürk is Turkish nation's coming into existence. With or without him, there is no doubt that Turkey had to be founded after WW1 sooner or later, but we had to wait more and more to fulfill his reforms. Ataturk's and Turkey's destinies were merged into one body.
3) How was opposition under the rule of Ataturk dealt with?
As an ideal to reach and to practice democracy, Ataturk had encouraged of founding new political parties. Unfortunately, conditions were not suitable enough for these new movements. After a devastating first world war, empires collapsed, new nations/countries emerged, all news nationalisms tried to live.
As a young country, Turkey was also trying to reinforce its bases. Under these circumstances, there were some rebellions against new Turkish Republic, which were mostly inclined by rivals of the country. To defeat those rebellions and to provide peace once again, some military measures had to be taken. Also Turkish Grand Assembly enacted new laws to prevent new separatist attempts against Turkish people. I hope my answers could provide you some insights. If you have any other questions/requests, please don't hesitate to contact us in the future.
Lale Korkmaz
Consultant for Technology, Turkish American Chamber of Commerce, Houston, Texas
1) How has Ataturk impacted US-Turkish relations?
During Ataturk’s lifetime, US-Turkish relations were not as strong as today. Europe was closer to Turkey and communication was at best relied on telephone or mail. Therefore, Europe had a better trade ground as a model civilization for Turkey. However, Ataturk’s reforms prepared Turkey better for made (sic) interaction with the US in the long term.
2) Without Ataturk, where would Turkey be today?
These reforms were more suitable to Turkish people who deserve the modern life as much as other developed countries. The major improvements Ataturk provided to Turks in the educational area were adoption of the new alphabet, the Latin script and abolishing medrese whose students were lacking proper science, engineering and liberal arts. “Economic reforms included the establishment of many state-owned factories throughout the country for the agriculture, machine making and textile industries.” (Ataturk’s Reforms, Wikipedia).
In the social area, women had more rights compared to Western countries. Therefore, without Ataturk, literacy rate would be much lower because people would not be able to easily learn Arabic script that is not proper for the Turkish language. If Ataturk did not exist, Turkey would have lost its independence and any kind of economic power. Half of the Turkish population, women would be sitting home without much contribution to the Turkish economy. If Ataturk did not exist, Turkey would not exist.
3) How was opposition under the rule of Ataturk dealt with?
The major opposition came from two groups: the people who are more resistant to change and the people who wanted Turkey weak. Ataturk did not change the whole system in one day. It took preparation and time. Instead of acting like a dictator, he formed the Turkish parliament, studied many days and nights until his eyes got watery and red to initiate, execute and finalize the reforms. He had the talent, vision and skill to motivate and consult a team of leaders.
During Ataturk’s lifetime, US-Turkish relations were not as strong as today. Europe was closer to Turkey and communication was at best relied on telephone or mail. Therefore, Europe had a better trade ground as a model civilization for Turkey. However, Ataturk’s reforms prepared Turkey better for made (sic) interaction with the US in the long term.
2) Without Ataturk, where would Turkey be today?
These reforms were more suitable to Turkish people who deserve the modern life as much as other developed countries. The major improvements Ataturk provided to Turks in the educational area were adoption of the new alphabet, the Latin script and abolishing medrese whose students were lacking proper science, engineering and liberal arts. “Economic reforms included the establishment of many state-owned factories throughout the country for the agriculture, machine making and textile industries.” (Ataturk’s Reforms, Wikipedia).
In the social area, women had more rights compared to Western countries. Therefore, without Ataturk, literacy rate would be much lower because people would not be able to easily learn Arabic script that is not proper for the Turkish language. If Ataturk did not exist, Turkey would have lost its independence and any kind of economic power. Half of the Turkish population, women would be sitting home without much contribution to the Turkish economy. If Ataturk did not exist, Turkey would not exist.
3) How was opposition under the rule of Ataturk dealt with?
The major opposition came from two groups: the people who are more resistant to change and the people who wanted Turkey weak. Ataturk did not change the whole system in one day. It took preparation and time. Instead of acting like a dictator, he formed the Turkish parliament, studied many days and nights until his eyes got watery and red to initiate, execute and finalize the reforms. He had the talent, vision and skill to motivate and consult a team of leaders.