| − | '''Mustafa Kemal Atatürk''' (1881 – 1938), also known as '''Kamâl Atatürk''', was a general ("pasha") who serving Ottoman Army during [[World War I]], and a statesman who founded the Republic of [[Turkey]]. He was a successful division commander in the [[Battle of Gallipoli]]. The [[Allies]] defeated the [[Ottoman Empire]] and arranged for its partition. Thereupon, after a few congresses, he led a organized political resistance in the [[Turkish War of Independence]] by established a new assembly and government in Ankara. From Sep 9, 1923 to Nov 10, 1938, he was also leader of the Republican People's Party. | + | '''Mustafa Kemal Atatürk''' (1881 – 1938), also known as '''Kamâl Atatürk''', was a general ("pasha") who serving Ottoman Army during [[World War I]], and a statesman who founded the Republic of [[Turkey]]. He was a successful division commander in the [[Battle of Gallipoli]]. The [[Allies]] defeated the [[Ottoman Empire]] and arranged for its partition. Thereupon, after a few congresses, he led an organized political resistance in the [[Turkish War of Independence]] by established a new assembly and government in Ankara. From Sep 9, 1923 to Nov 10, 1938, he was also leader of the Republican People's Party. |
| | Atatürk deposed the last Sultan of the Ottoman Empire in 1922 and became first President of Turkey in 1923. It is estimated that over 99% of Turks are [[Muslim]] (and most of them are conservative), but Atatürk established a [[secular]] rule based on a strong military. He abolished [[sharia law]] 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. | | Atatürk deposed the last Sultan of the Ottoman Empire in 1922 and became first President of Turkey in 1923. It is estimated that over 99% of Turks are [[Muslim]] (and most of them are conservative), but Atatürk established a [[secular]] rule based on a strong military. He abolished [[sharia law]] 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. |