At-a-Turk!

So, if you thought Turkey was the land of Arabian nights and harems, think again, my friend. Get Aladdin out of your head this minute, and consider one name Atatürk. Known as the father of the modern Turkey, he led the revolution and brought Turkey out of the Islamic Ottoman reign and into the present-day West (at least the present-day of 1923). Held up by the Turks as more than a founder or leader of the Republic, Atatürk is a hero, a god. Think of him as all of the US founding fathers combined…or even better, Gandhi’s relation to the Indian people.  Atatürk is more than George Washington or Abraham Lincoln; he is a way of life.  Seen on storefronts, in office buildings, homes, buttons, and even ties, the picture of Atatürk is everywhere.

Now, where, you may ask, can I get such a thing? An Atatürk tie, an Atatürk ring? Well, it’s your lucky day if you happen to find yourself near Ankara. Stop on down to the Atatürk Mausoleum and take a look. Comparable to the Gandhi monument in India, the Atatürk Mausoleum is an expansive sight. Simple, stoic, and commanding, almost embodying Atatürk himself, this sprawling monument tells the history of Turkey, from the Byzantine mosaics in turquoise above doors or gold on the ceiling, to Islamic geometric windows and courtyard arches of the Ottomans. 

  And it all accumulates into the Atatürk museum, a must see. Dioramas of WWI, nationalistic songs, and of course the ultimate in Atatürk memorabilia, the gift shop.

If you venture to Turkey, this is an essential lesson to learn. Atatürk is great, Atatürk is good, and if you happen to say anything other than that, you better be willing to fend of many offended Turks! Some heavy shackles may also appear on your wrists, so in order to keep your head, switch over to the Turkish way and get yourself an Atatürk wristlet. Who knows, after spending some time, you may even join in the fun and switch your Facebook profile pic to the almighty Atatürk. I know I will!