Personal life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

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== Personal Life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ==

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938) was the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. His personal life has been a subject of interest and study, reflecting his multifaceted personality and the significant impact he had on Turkish society.

Early Life

Atatürk was born in Thessaloniki, then part of the Ottoman Empire. His father, Ali Rıza Efendi, was a customs officer, and his mother, Zübeyde Hanım, was a housewife. Atatürk had several siblings, but only his sister, Makbule Atadan, survived into adulthood.

Education

Atatürk's education began at the Şemsi Efendi School in Thessaloniki. He later attended the Monastir Military High School and the Ottoman Military Academy in Istanbul, where he graduated as a lieutenant. His education continued at the Ottoman Military College, where he graduated as a staff captain.

Military Career

Atatürk's military career began in the Italo-Turkish War and continued through the Balkan Wars and World War I. His leadership during the Gallipoli Campaign earned him national recognition and set the stage for his role in the Turkish War of Independence.

Personal Relationships

Atatürk married Latife Uşaklıgil in 1923, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1925. He had no children of his own but adopted several daughters, including Sabiha Gökçen, who became the world's first female fighter pilot. Atatürk was known for his close friendships with many prominent figures of his time, including İsmet İnönü and Fevzi Çakmak.

Interests and Hobbies

Atatürk had a wide range of interests, including reading, writing, and horseback riding. He was an avid reader and had a personal library of over 4,000 books. He also enjoyed music, particularly Turkish classical music, and was known to play the zeybek dance.

Health and Death

Atatürk's health began to decline in the mid-1930s. He was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, likely due to his heavy drinking. Despite his illness, he continued to work tirelessly for the betterment of Turkey until his death on November 10, 1938, at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul. His death was a significant national event, and he was buried in a state funeral at Anıtkabir in Ankara.

Legacy

Atatürk's personal life, much like his political career, has left a lasting legacy on Turkey and the world. His reforms and vision for a modern, secular Turkey continue to influence the country's direction and policies.

See Also

• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
• Republic of Turkey
• Turkish War of Independence
• Latife Uşaklıgil
• Sabiha Gökçen
• Anıtkabir