Reforms in TurkeyAs president, Kemal's ultimate goal was to transform his country into a secular, independent Republic. His reforms led to a less religiously based society and the separation of Islam and state.
Social Reforms |
Kemal introduced many social reforms. He replaced the fez with a European hat, women were encouraged to stop wearing the veil, the calendar was formatted like the Western calendar, and all Turks were required to have a surname. (“Atatürk”, means “Father-Turk”) On December 5, 1934 women were granted full political equality, before countries like France, Greece, and Switzerland. " …Social change can come by (1) educating capable mothers who are knowledgeable about life; (2) giving freedom to women; (3) a man can change his morals, thoughts, and feelings by leading a common life with a woman; as there is an inborn tendency towards the attraction of mutual affection." |
Economic Reforms
National sovereignty should be supported by financial independence. The only power that will propel us to this goal is the economy. No matter how mighty they are, political and military victories cannot endure unless they are crowned by economic triumphs." |
Many economic reforms helped build a working middle class. Agriculture, mining, transportation and manufacturing grew. Atatürk eliminated Islamic funding.
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Educational Reforms
Before Atatürk, Turkey used Arabic characters, and the illiteracy rate was over 90%.
Atatürk replaced Arabic script with a modified Latin alphabet. He promoted literacy and emphasized education. Though the reform was only partially successful in the short term, it eventually allowed for a greater connection to Western society. By 1938, one-third of the population was literate. Cultural ReformsPreviously banned arts expanded under Atatürk. Film, music, and ballet flourished.
Atatürk stressed culture, saying it was “a basic element in being a person worthy of humanity.”
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Atatürk's reforms increased opportunities for individuals. The change to an easier Latin alphabet promoted increased literacy. Women gained political voice, leading to a more representative government. Despite the current more conservative leadership, these reforms remain rooted as core political beliefs in modern Turkey.