Subject
Atatürk, Kemal, 1881-1938 Books
Best books
Grace Ellison
An Englishwoman in Angora
"An Englishwoman in Angora" by Grace Ellison is a travel account written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the author, the first British woman to visit Angora since the beginning of the Nationalist Movement, as she seeks to understand and foster Anglo-Turkish friendships amidst a time of political upheaval and cultural tension. The book delves into themes of identity, diplomacy, and the complexities of East-West relations. The opening of the work presents Ellison's reflections on her unique position as an Englishwoman in a country where her nationality had become a source of mistrust due to the recent war. In her foreword, she discusses the changing perceptions of Britain in Turkey, detailing her past relationships with Turkish people and expressing her desire to bridge the divide. As she boards the steamer "Pierre Loti" to return to Turkey, she reminisces about previous visits and the profound admiration she has for the country and its people. Set against the historical backdrop of political shifts and personal connections, her journey is both a personal mission for reconciliation and an exploration of the cultural landscape of Nationalist Turkey.
Clair Price
The Rebirth of Turkey
"The Rebirth of Turkey" by Clair Price is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book centers on the transformative period during and following World War I, focusing on the key figure of Mustapha Kemal Pasha, also known as Atatürk, and his efforts to turn Turkey from an old Ottoman Empire into a modern nation-state. It delves into the intricate interplay of Eastern and Western traditions and the challenges faced in this transition. At the start of the narrative, the author prepares to meet Mustapha Kemal Pasha in Angora, depicting the environment of the Grand National Assembly. Here, Price offers a striking image of Kemal, emphasizing both his military background and his aspirations for Turkey's future, which includes shifting from a military to an economic focus. He reflects on Kemal's character, acknowledging his military prestige while hinting at the complexities of adopting Western ideals in a deeply rooted Eastern society. The initial conversations reveal Kemal's pragmatic vision for Turkey's development and raise questions about the success of his transformative ambitions, setting the stage for the exploration of Turkey's rebirth amidst the shifting political landscape of the time.
Alaeddine Haïdar
À Angora auprès de Mustafa Kemal
"À Angora auprès de Mustapha Kemal" by Alaeddine Haïdar is a travelogue written in the early 20th century. The work recounts the author's experiences and observations as a war correspondent during a tumultuous period in Turkey, focusing on the rise of the nationalist movement led by Mustapha Kemal (later known as Atatürk). It explores themes of independence, cultural identity, and the struggles of a nation resisting foreign occupation. The opening of the book sets the stage for an intriguing journey into the heart of Anatolia, as the narrator reflects on departing from the familiar shores of Istanbul towards Angora, the epicenter of the nationalistic fervor. As he embarks on this voyage, he encounters various individuals whose lives are intertwined with the political upheaval and hears varying perspectives on the Kémalistes from hopeful locals to wary travelers. The narrator's interactions reveal a complex landscape where a people's quest for independence is met with skepticism and a blend of admiration and fear from outsiders. This portion effectively captures the atmosphere of awakening nationalism and lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of the sociopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
Recently surfaced classics