Kemalism
Kemalism refers to the principles established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (d. 1938), the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. This ideology constitutes the official state philosophy of Turkey and went largely unchallenged until the 1980s. Kemalism’s primary tenets are republicanism, statism (in economic policy), populism, laicism, nationalism, and reformism. These tenets were first enumerated in the statutes of the Republican People’s Party (Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi, CHP) in 1935 and were subsequently incorporated into the Turkish constitution in 1937. Although the constitution was revised in 1961, the core elements of Kemalism retained some influence.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: Derived from the name ‘Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’ combined with the suffix ‘-ism,’ indicating a distinct ideological doctrine.
- Arabic: كمالية (Kamālīya)
- Turkish: Kemalizm
Major Principles of Kemalism
Republicanism (Cumhuriyetçilik)
Emphasizes the importance of a republican form of government over the monarchical or imperial systems that preceded it. It aims to establish sovereignty of the people.
Statism (Devletçilik)
Advocates for significant state control over the economy, particularly in areas crucial for national development. It was designed to promote industrialization and economic self-sufficiency.
Populism (Halkçılık)
Focuses on creating a classless society reported to have an inclusive national unity. It promotes the integration of all citizens into the social and political sphere, regardless of class or ethnicity.
Laicism (Laiklik)
Refers to state secularism, emphasizing the separation of religion and state affairs. It was intended to curb the influence of religious authorities in governance and promote a secular public life.
Nationalism (Milliyetçilik)
Stresses the idea of a cohesive Turkish national identity. It promotes unity and a sense of common purpose among the country’s citizens.
Reformism (İnkılapçılık)
Denotes continuous efforts toward progress, modernization, and improvement. It was instrumental in trying to align Turkish institutions and societal norms with contemporary Western standards.
Influence and Implementation
Kemalism’s implementation resulted in wide-ranging reforms, especially in education, legal frameworks, and cultural policies. Its politically authoritarian nature was particularly aimed at reducing the traditional influence of religious authorities in favor of a secular, modernized society. This ideological framework significantly shaped Turkey’s transition from a multi-ethnic and multi-religious empire to a secular nation-state.
Further Reading
- Erik J. Zürcher, “Turkey: A Modern History”. Provides an overview of the historical context and developments of Kemalism.
- Andrew Mango, “Atatürk: The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey”. Insight into the life and policies of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
- M. Şükrü Hanioğlu, “Atatürk: An Intellectual Biography”. Explores the ideological origins and impact of Atatürk and Kemalism.
Takeaways
- Kemalism embodies an ideology based on principles emphasized by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, focusing on republican nationalism, state-involved economic policy, secularity, and continuous reform.
- It played a pivotal role in transitioning the governance and social fabric of Turkey, promoting Western ideals of modernity while controlling traditional religious influences.
- Kemalism’s legacy continues to influence Turkish society and politics, even as it faces renewed scrutiny and debate.
Conclusion
Kemalism remains a cornerstone of Turkey’s national identity, characterized by its ambitious reformist and secular agenda. While its practical influence has varied over time, its foundational principles continue to evoke strong discourse in contemporary Turkish society, reflecting both its historical significance and enduring impact.
