Ataturk (Mustafa Kemal)

Founder of modern Turkey

Modern influential 79 sayings

Sayings by Ataturk (Mustafa Kemal)

Men, I am not ordering you to attack. I am ordering you to die.

1915 — Order given to his troops during the Gallipoli Campaign.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

There are two Mustafa Kemal's. One is the flesh-and-bone Mustafa Kemal who now stands before you and who will pass away. The other is you, all of you here who will go to the far corners of our land to spread the ideals which must be defended with your lives if necessary. I stand for the nation's dreams, and my life's work is to make them come true.

Approx. late 1920s or 1930s — Speech reflecting on his legacy and the continuity of his ideals through the nation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There are two Mustafa Kemal's. One is the flesh-and-bone Mustafa Kemal who now stands before you and who will pass away. The other is you, all of you here who will go to the far corners of our land to spread the ideals which must be defended with your lives if necessary. I stand for the nation's dreams, and my life's work is to make them come true.

Approx. late 1920s or 1930s — Speech reflecting on his legacy and the continuity of his ideals through the nation.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I have been able to teach many things to this nation, but I haven't been able to teach how to be lackeys.

Approx. 1930s — A cynical reflection on the Turkish national character.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have been able to teach many things to this nation, but I haven't been able to teach how to be lackeys.

Approx. 1930s — A cynical reflection on the Turkish national character.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

If one day, my words are against science, choose science.

Approx. 1930s — Emphasizing the supremacy of science and reason in his philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If one day, my words are against science, choose science.

Approx. 1930s — Emphasizing the supremacy of science and reason in his philosophy.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Humankind is made up of two sexes, women and men. Is it possible for humankind to grow by the improvement of only one part while the other part is ignored? Is it possible that if half of a mass is tied to earth with chains that the other half can soar into skies?

Approx. 1920s-1930s — Advocacy for women's rights and gender equality.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Humankind is made up of two sexes, women and men. Is it possible for humankind to grow by the improvement of only one part while the other part is ignored? Is it possible that if half of a mass is tied to earth with chains that the other half can soar into skies?

Approx. 1920s-1930s — Advocacy for women's rights and gender equality.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Those who use religion for their own benefit are detestable. We are against such a situation and will not allow it. Those who use religion in such a manner have fooled our people; it is against just such people that we have fought and will continue to fight.

Throughout his presidency — Strong stance against political Islam and religious exploitation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Those who use religion for their own benefit are detestable. We are against such a situation and will not allow it. Those who use religion in such a manner have fooled our people; it is against just such people that we have fought and will continue to fight.

Throughout his presidency — Strong stance against political Islam and religious exploitation.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I have no religion, and at times I wish all religions at the bottom of the sea. He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap.

1928 — Interview with Grace Ellison for her book 'Turkey Today'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have no religion, and at times I wish all religions at the bottom of the sea. He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap.

1928 — Interview with Grace Ellison for her book 'Turkey Today'.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Unless a nation's life faces peril, war is murder.

Approx. post-War of Independence — Philosophy on justifiable warfare.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Unless a nation's life faces peril, war is murder.

Approx. post-War of Independence — Philosophy on justifiable warfare.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Turkey's true master is the peasant.

Post-1923 — Emphasizing the fundamental importance and sovereignty of the common people in the new Republic.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Turkey's true master is the peasant.

Post-1923 — Emphasizing the fundamental importance and sovereignty of the common people in the new Republic.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

A youth with wings are the assurance of our nation's future. We must start to work right away and make progress so that; if one day Westerners leave their footprints on the moon, we shall place a Turkish one among those.

Approx. late 1920s or 1930s — Address to Turkish youth, emphasizing ambition and a visionary future.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A youth with wings are the assurance of our nation's future. We must start to work right away and make progress so that; if one day Westerners leave their footprints on the moon, we shall place a Turkish one among those.

Approx. late 1920s or 1930s — Address to Turkish youth, emphasizing ambition and a visionary future.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The Republic of Turkey cannot be a country of sheikhs, dervishes, and disciples. The truest, most real order is the order of civilisation.

Post-1923 — Statement on the secular and modern character of the new Republic.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable