With the difficult past of World War I slowly fading into the past, many issues surrounded unresolved regions across Europe. Infamously, some of these disputes led directly to the outbreak of the Second World War less than twenty years later.
However, in the eastern sphere, different territorial questions arose and needed to be dealt with; one example of such a conflict regarded the remnants of the Ottoman Empire. Supported by Soviet Russia, the Turkish National Movement battled against the Allied forces in an attempt to finally resolve the border issues that had plagued the area.
In 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne was signed. For the Turks, its favourable measures were a considerable upgrade on the Treaty of Sevres which had been proposed in 1920. This new treaty brought peace to the region and solidified borders with surrounding areas.
The man who led this Turkish movement was Mustafa Kemal. He would go on to establish and rule the Republic of Turkey until his death in 1938.
Turkish border following the Treaty of Lausanne, 1923
In 1934, he was afforded the surname ‘Ataturk’ meaning ‘Father of the Turks.’ Curiously, until this point, Islamic Turkish customs meant that many citizens did not adopt a surname. However, going forward this particular title was reserved for Kemal only.
Ataturk was born simply as Mustafa in 1881 in Salonica, a major city within the Ottoman Empire, now Thessaloniki in Greece.
He came from a wealthy Islamic background and was provided with an extensive education, where he excelled. It was during these years that he was given the name Kemal, meaning perfection.
He attended the War College in Istanbul and following this he joined the ranks of the Ottoman military. He came to prominence during the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I, where Ottoman victory led to an increase in his standing nationally.
However, the Ottoman’s defeat in the Great War led to much uncertainty across the South Eastern region of Europe. As was mentioned, Ataturk led the Turkish movement during this time. He also put in place political structures, having established a provisional government in 1920. 
Ataturk addressing the Turkish public in Bursa, 1924
With the Ottoman Caliphate having been abolished in previous years, Ataturk assumed the position of President in 1923 and set about solidifying the Turkish state. He established a single party rule that would be in power past his death in 1938.
Throughout, his main motivation was to ensure complete independence.
Internationally he adopted a position of neutrality, steering away from the conflict that was brewing in the west of the continent.
Notably, his domestic reforms were secular in nature, as all Islamic institutions were abolished and the Gregorian calendar was adopted.
He was also responsible for many progressive measures. Women were granted the vote and veiling laws were removed. Additionally, thousands of schools were built and free, compulsory education was introduced.
Ataturk introducing the new Turkish alphabet, in 1928
However, the single state rule, which lasted until 1945, was noted for its suppression of the media and labour organisations. It also contributed to an anti-democratic sentiment within the state that has led to much political instability in the latter half of the century, with coup d’etats occurring in 1960, ’71 and ‘80.
Despite this, and due to his many positive reforms, he enjoys a positive legacy both domestically and internationally.
Join Patrick and his panel of experts as they assess the legacy of the father of modern day Turkey.
Why were his military skills and leadership so inspiring? What was the nature of his relations with prominent western leaders during this time? And what policies did he institute during his time as Turkish President?
Listen in for answers to these questions and much more besides.
