The Ottoman Sultan's Stance on Atatürk Mustafa Kemal

The relationship between the Ottoman Sultan and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was deeply complex and marked by significant tension, especially during the tumultuous period of the early 20th century. To fully understand their interactions, it is essential to delve into the historical context and the political dynamics of the time.

Historical Background and Context

At the turn of the 20th century, the Ottoman Empire was facing significant political, social, and military challenges. The empire, once a powerful force in the Mediterranean region, was gradually losing its territories and influence. The Young Turk Revolution of 1908 and the early 20th-century reforms aimed to modernize the empire, but these efforts often fell short due to a combination of internal and external pressures.

The Ottoman Sultan's Opposition to Atatürk

The Ottoman Sultan, as the nominal head of the empire, represented the old regime that Atatürk and his supporters were against. In 1909, Mustafa Kemal (later known as Atatürk) played a crucial role in suppressing the counter-revolution known as the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP). This incident marked the beginning of his rise to power and the beginning of a strained relationship with the Sultan who was seen as a symbol of the outdated and unequipped Ottoman administration.

During World War I, the Ottoman Empire joined the Central Powers, but this decision turned out to be a strategic misstep. The empire faced immense military defeats, and the Allied forces, primarily the British, exerted significant influence over the Ottoman administration. The Sultan's government, under pressure from both internal and external forces, sentenced Mustafa Kemal to death in 1918. This verdict was motivated by the Sultan's attempt to maintain control over his military commanders who were increasingly seen as potential threats to the old regime.

The Turkish War of Independence and the Fall of the Sultan

After the Armistice of Mudros in 1918, Mustafa Kemal began organizing the Turkish War of Independence, a struggle against the Allied occupation forces and the remnants of the Ottoman government. This war, which lasted from 1919 to 1922, saw Mustafa Kemal and his followers gain significant support from the Turkish populace, who were disillusioned with the old regime and the Sultan's failure to defend Ottoman territories.

The Turkish victory in the War of Independence led to the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic in 1923. With the Tehran Protocol, the Ottoman Sultan was exiled, and his last stand came when he abdicated the throne. The new Turkish government, led by Mustafa Kemal, officially declared the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of a secular, democratic state under the Republic of Turkey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ottoman Sultan did not approve of Atatürk Mustafa Kemal. The Sultan's government, influenced by the British and under pressure from the war, sentenced Mustafa Kemal to death. However, Mustafa Kemal's military and political acumen allowed him to escape this fate and go on to lead the Turkish War of Independence, resulting in the creation of a new republic. The Ottoman Sultan's opposition to Atatürk and the events that followed marked the end of the old regime and the beginning of modern Turkey.

The relationship between the Ottoman Sultan and Atatürk is a tale of power, oppression, and transformation that encapsulates the period of change in Turkish history. Understanding this dynamic provides valuable insights into the complex political climate of the early 20th century and the establishment of a new nation-state.