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Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938) was the military founder of modern Turkey, and its first president.  He was a successful division commander in the [[Battle of Gallipoli]].  When the Allies defeated the Ottoman Empire and arranged for its partition, he led a rebellion in the Turkish War of Independence.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938) was the military founder of modern Turkey, and its first president.  He was a successful division commander in the [[Battle of Gallipoli]].  When the Allies defeated the Ottoman Empire and arranged for its partition, he led a rebellion in the Turkish War of Independence.

Kemal deposed the last sultan of the [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1922 and became president of Turkey in 1923.  Turkey is almost completely Muslim, but Kemal established a secular rule based on a strong military.  He abolished Islamic courts and gave women the right to vote and hold government positions.  As a result of his efforts, Turkey is the only Muslim country to independently hold democratic elections.

Kemal deposed the last sultan of the [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1922 and became president of Turkey in 1923.  It is estimated that over 99% of Turks are Muslim [https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/tu.html#People], but Kemal established a secular rule based on a strong military.  He abolished Islamic courts and gave women the right to vote and hold government positions.  As a result of his efforts, Turkey is the only Muslim country to independently hold democratic elections.