Portrait of Ataturk (Mustafa Kemal)

Ataturk (Mustafa Kemal)

Founder of modern Turkey

Modern influential 79 sayings

Sayings by Ataturk (Mustafa Kemal)

A nation that does not know how to laugh cannot be a great nation.

1935 — Statement during a dinner party
Wisdom Unverifiable

The only real guide in life is science.

1925 — Speech at the opening of the Faculty of Law
Educational Unverifiable

Peace at home, peace in the world.

1931 — Frequently repeated foreign policy principle
Wisdom Confirmed

The Turkish nation is a nation that has been accustomed to being a master throughout history.

1923 — Speech in Adana
Educational Unverifiable

How happy is the one who says 'I am a Turk'.

1933 — Inscription on the Atatürk Monument in Ankara
Wisdom Confirmed

The most reliable guide in life is science and technology.

1924 — Speech to teachers
Educational Unverifiable

I do not want to see the faces of those who oppose the revolution.

1925 — Statement during the Hat Law debates
Political Unverifiable

He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap.

c. 1926-1927 — Reportedly said to Grace Ellison, following a statement on religion.
Life & Aging Unverifiable

There are no hopeless situations, there are desperate people. I have never lost hope.

Undated — Motivational statement.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Religions have been basis of the tyranny of kings and sultans.

Undated — General statement reflecting his secularist views.
General Unverifiable

Victory is for those who can say 'Victory is mine'. Success is for those who can begin saying 'I will succeed' and say 'I have succeeded' in the end.

Undated — Motivational statement on perseverance.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The major secret of success is to be master of the nation.

1927 — Speech to the Turkish Grand National Assembly
General Unverifiable

The people who lack the power to defend their sovereignty do not deserve to be called a nation.

1921 — Speech during the War of Independence
General Unverifiable

Women’s most important duty is motherhood.

1923 — Speech on women's rights
General Unverifiable

The Turkish Republic must be free from every kind of foreign intervention and influence.

1923 — Speech on foreign policy
Political Unverifiable

The only way to protect our independence and sovereignty is to rely on our own strength.

1921 — Speech on national defense
General Unverifiable

The Turkish nation is industrious. Therefore, the Turkish nation is worthy of freedom.

1923 — Speech on national identity
General Unverifiable

The Turkish nation is a military nation.

1921 — Speech on national identity
War & Violence Unverifiable

The Turkish nation is a nation that loves civilization.

1923 — Speech on national identity
General Confirmed

The Turkish nation is a nation that loves agriculture.

1923 — Speech on national identity
General Unverifiable
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