First president of Turkey from 1923 to 1938 who was a winning strategist in the war for Turkey's independence and helped found the Republic of Turkey in its aftermath. He transformed Turkey into a secular democratic nation-state, established new schools and gave women equal civil rights.His second name, Kemal, means 'Perfection of Maturity" and his surname "Ataturk" means "Father of the Turks".During Adolf Hitler's control of the Rhineland he was able to gain control over waterways known as the Straits.

BEFORE FAME

He served in the Turkish army and fought in the Italo-Turkish War in 1911.

PERSONAL LIFE

He adopted thirteen children and married his wife Latife Ussaki in 1923.

HISTORICAL EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATURK

1915-4-27 Counterattack launched by Turkish forces under the command of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk against allied troops

1919-5-19 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk lands at Samsun on the Anatolian Black Sea coast, initiating what was later termed the Turkish War of Independence. The anniversary of this event is the official date of commemoration of the Pontic Greek Genocide in Greece and Cyprus.

1919-9-4 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who founded the Republic of Turkey, gathers a congress in Sivas to make decisions as to the future of Anatolia and Thrace.

1921-7-16 Encouraged by the British, King Constantine of Greece launches a drive to take Asia Minor from nationalists under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

1923-8-13 Turkish National Congress selects Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Pasja as President

Famous Quotes

My people are going to learn the principles of democracy, the dictates of truth and the teachings of science. Superstition must go.

FUN FACTS

Politician Mustafa Kemal Ataturk were born on Thursday, birthstone is Emerald, the seaon was Spring in the Chinese year of , it is 131 days until Mustafa Kemal Ataturk next birthday.