The Dark Side of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: A Review of His Impact on Islam and Modern Turkey

Introduction

The life and legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, have been the subject of much controversy. While Atatürk is often celebrated in Turkey for his contributions to the nation's independence and modernization, his religious policies and actions have been subject to criticism by many, particularly within the Muslim community.

Brief Background on Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Atatürk was born in 1881 in Thessaloniki as a member of the Donmeh, a group of crypto-Jews who publicly converted to Islam but retained their beliefs and practices in secret. His rise through the military ranks and eventual ascension to the presidency were marked by a series of actions that had profound impacts on the religious and cultural landscape of Turkey.

Abolishing the Caliphate and Islamic Policies

One of Atatürk's most controversial actions was the abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924, an institution that had been in existence since the time of the first Caliph, Abū Bakr As-Siddīq. Following this abolition, Atatürk forced the Caliph and his family into exile, effectively dismantling the Islamic structure of governance that had prevailed for centuries.

Atatürk's secularist policies also included the removal of Islamic law and the replacement of it with Western legal frameworks, based on Italian and Swiss systems. This decision stripped the official religion of its legal influence and brought about significant changes in the daily lives of Turkish Muslims.

Impact on Islamic Practices and Institutions

Atatürk's reforms had a profound impact on the practices and institutions of Islam in Turkey. Some of the key changes included:

The banning of the position and influence of the Shaykh-ul-Islām. The removal of the Islamic inheritance distribution system. The prohibition of Islamic marriage practices and the 'Iddah period. The criminalization of the ijāb ritual during Nikāh (wedding). The change in oaths to be taken in the name of Turkey and Atatürk, rather than Allāh. The banning of Arabic during Friday prayers and ‘īd prayers. The removal of Islamic calligraphy from Masājid and historic places. The adoption of the Latin alphabet in place of the Ottoman Turkish alphabet. The prohibition of the fez and the promotion of Western clothing. The mistreatment and killing of scholars who refused to adopt Western dress.

These changes led to a significant disruption in the religious and cultural life of the Turkish people, with many Islamic texts, institutions, and practices being either banned or suppressed.

Misconceptions and Reality

There are misconceptions about Atatürk that paint him as a secular hero resistant to religious influence. However, a closer examination of his actions reveals a deeply anti-Islamic agenda. For instance, his renaming of the Hagia Sophia from a mosque to a museum and its renovations reflect a deliberate attempt to erase Islamic heritage.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The lessons from Atatürk's actions are profound. They remind us of the historical dictators who sought to suppress and distort religious practices and beliefs. It is imperative for Muslims and all people of faith to remain vigilant against similar ideologies that aim to subvert and erase traditional religious values.

Additionally, leaders and rulers who adopt such ideologies must be held accountable. The history of Fir’awn and Nimrūd serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to learn from past mistakes and strive for a more inclusive and just society.

May Islam guide us to embrace and practice it wholeheartedly, and may we be protected from following such extreme ideologies as Kemalism, may Allah grant us wisdom and discernment in our choices.