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If you visit Turkey you'll want to know at least the basics about Atatürk because his image is everywhere and his influence is still alive generations after his death (in 1938).

What did he do? He took a defeated, demoralized, poverty-stricken medieval theocratic monarchy and reshaped it into a vibrant, progressive, democratic secular republic. In other words, he turned black into white almost single-handedly.

He joined other "Young Turks" to reform Turkey's government and society in the last years of the 19th century. Unfortunately, it was his far less talented colleagues who took power from the sultan and led the empire into a disastrous alliance with the German Empire during World War I.

During the Gallipoli campaign (1915-1916), Lieutenant-Colonel Mustafa Kemal was instrumental in stopping the advance of the Allied forces intent on seizing Istanbul. He commanded from the front lines with incredible courage, and was hailed as a war hero.

After the war, the Allies tried to seize most of Turkey's territory and resources, leaving little for the Turks. Kemal fled from occupied Istanbul to Anatolia and rallied the population in defense of their homeland. He summoned representatives, organized a republican government and army and, while serving as head of goverment also commanded the army against several powerful invading forces. By 1923 the republican armies had driven all the invaders out, and the new government in Ankara was secure--if poverty-stricken.

Granted the surname Atatürk ("Father of the Turks") by a grateful parliament, Kemal made peace--and even established friendly relations--with Turkey's erstwhile enemies. Before his untimely death in 1938, he spearheaded his country's economic recovery and laid the foundations for Turkey's neutrality in World War II.

It may well be said that without Atatürk, there would be no modern Turkish Republic, well ahead of its Islamic neighbors in democratic, social, cultural and commercial progress

Upon graduation, Mustafa Kemal was immediately assigned to a post with the army and began his distinguished career. In the years leading up to World War I he quickly moved up in rank while serving throughout the Ottoman Empire. However it was his service during World War I that elevated him to the status of national hero. In key battles of Anafartalar, Kirectepe and Canakkale, Mustafa Kemal led Turkish troops in defending the Empire from invading British and French troops in the Dardanelles. This struggle culminated with the martyrdom of 253,000 Turkish soldiers at Gallipoli who had been motivated to defend the honor of the Turkish nation by Mustafa Kemal's famous order: "I do not order you to attack, I order you to die."

Mustafa Kemal continued his military service for the Ottoman Empire until the end of World War I when Ottoman troops were demobilized and occupation of the country began. In the year that followed, Mustafa Kemal emerged as a leader in the movement for Turkish independence. On June 22, 1919, he issued the Amasya Circular, calling for a national Congress to convene and determine the future freedom of the nation. On April 23,

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born in 1881 in the Kocakisim District of Salonika. His father, Ali Riza Efendi, married his mother, Zübeyde Hanim, in 1871. In 1888, his father died and Mustafa Kemal moved to Rapla to live on his uncle's farm. A few years later he returned to Salonika to complete his primary education. In 1893, he enrolled in military junior high school. It was during this time that a math teacher added Kemal, meaning "perfection", to Mustafa's name in recognition of his academic achievement. He graduated from Military College in 1902 with the rank of Lieutenant and continued his education at the Military Academy. He completed the Academy in 1905 as a Captain.

1920, the Turkish Grand National Assembly met for the first time to plan for the success of the Independence War. Mustafa Kemal was appointed Speaker of the House and head of government. Mustafa Kemal again proved his military prowess and during the Independence War was given the title of Gazi the Victorious Fighter.

On October 29, 1923, the Turkish Grand National Assembly officially made the declaration of Republic and unanimously voted Mustafa Kemal as its first President. As President, Mustafa Kemal quickly began to make sweeping political, economic, and social reforms. Dedicated to his duty, he kept in close contact with local authorities and received respected foreign officials. In 1934, the Turkish Grand National Assembly granted Mustafa Kemal the surname Atatürk, meaning "father of the Turks", in accordance with the new surname law.

Privately, Atatürk led a very modest life. He was a great lover of children, but was married only briefly, so he adopted several daughters. He spent a great deal of time outdoors riding his horse, Sakarya, and swimming. He also enjoyed dancing, reading, backgammon and billiards.

On November 10, 1938, near the end of his fourth term as President of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died of liver disease.