The Controversial Legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: Hero or Villain?

In recent discussions, the stance of the Turkish people towards Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, has been heavily debated. Some view him as a hero who led the Turkish War of Independence and transformed the country into a secular and progressive nation. Others, particularly within religious and historical circles, portray him as a villain responsible for implementing policies harmful to Islam and its cultural practices.

Atatürk: A Transformative Figure

Atatürk's legacy can be traced back to his actions aimed at banning extremist and superstitious Islamic groups, which prohibited their activities and confiscated their properties. His most significant reforms included closing religious schools, excluding religious scholars from the courts, and replacing Sharia with civil law. These reforms were aimed at modernizing Turkey and ensuring civil liberties for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. However, his actions were met with resistance from religious scholars and institutions who viewed these freedoms as contrary to Sharia.

Decent Turks and the Dark Side of Atatürk

On the other hand, to some, particularly within religious and traditionalist circles, Atatürk is seen as a harbinger of doom who tried to wage a war against Islam. The policies he implemented are perceived as leading to corruption, injustice, and the destruction of Muslim cultural and religious institutions. This portrayal often cites examples such as Fir'awn and Nimrūd, historical figures who attempted to subjugate humanity and deny them their religious freedoms. Today, pictures of Atatürk are found plastered in public places and various buildings, symbolizing his extreme influence and the disconnect many feel with his policies.

Secularism and Its Impact on Turkey

The regime of Atatürk's secularity and modernism changed the course of Turkish society significantly. For instance, the abolition of the caliphate, the removal of Arabic scripts, and the implementation of Western legal systems were just the beginning. He banned the position of Shaykh-ul-Islam, removed the Islamic inheritance system, and outlawed Islamic marriage practices and the 'Iddah period. These changes deeply impacted the religious landscape of the country, leading to the exile and persecution of religious scholars. The adoption of the Latin alphabet, the ban on religious teachings, and the rapid modernization of dress codes further exemplify the extent of Atatürk's secular reforms.

The Controversial End of Atatürk

The legacy of Atatürk is also marked by his controversial actions and their eventual consequences. Some argue that his attempts to supplant Islam only led to a destabilization of Turkish society, with many more embracing Kemalism without fully understanding its long-term implications. His official portrait, known as the 'Blue Effigy', hangs in government buildings and schools, symbolizing his divine-like status in the eyes of many. However, his dark deeds, which included banning circumcision and the use of Arabic script, and the persecution of religious scholars, have left a lasting impact on Turkish society. The lessons from his actions should serve as a reminder for leaders today to consider the long-term consequences of their policies on religious and cultural freedoms.

The topic of Atatürk's legacy is crucial in the current context of Islamophobia and the rise of religious persecution in various parts of the world. His reign serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of secularism and modernism when they are enforced at the expense of religious freedom and cultural identity.