KEMALIYE, Turkey: Kemaliye, a charming town nestled in eastern Turkey, offers a living tribute to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the revered father of the nation.
At the town’s heart, a golden statue of Ataturk stands proudly, overlooking the landscape, and reminding visitors of the illustrious history that defines this place.
Ataturk, in recognition of the town’s loyalty, bestowed it with his name, well before forging the Turkish republic from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire a century ago. This act of gratitude is a testament to Ataturk’s modest nature. Residents like retired hotelier Haci Omer Yalcinkayalar recall that “the whole country would have wanted to bear his name, but he would never have accepted it.”
Mustafa Kemal, renowned for his heroism in the Dardanelles war against the Allies, initiated his quest for an independent nation in 1919. As his forces faced a perilous situation near Ankara in 1921, a telegram from Egin, a town strategically located at the crossroads of Anatolia and the Caucasus, offered 500 horsemen to his command. Although the offer was never actualized, it left a lasting impression on Ataturk.
Egin’s prosperity in the early 20th century is still evident in the well-preserved stone and wooden houses that adorn the mountainside, making it a candidate for UNESCO world heritage status.
Kemaliye, with around 6,000 residents in Ataturk’s time, has retained its connection to the past, symbolizing the ideals of the republic. It has celebrated the birth of the republic on October 29 since 1923, hosting various events and festivities that capture the spirit of this historic occasion.
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For locals like Guzide Tufekci, the legacy of Ataturk is a source of pride, especially for Turkish women. Ataturk’s vision paved the way for enlightened Turkish women to access education and careers, a transformative leap for society.
In Kemaliye, the town’s deep affection for Ataturk is palpable. A small cafe adorned with portraits of the national icon serves as a living museum. Erdal Erdurk, the owner, passionately speaks of the town’s “very special love” for Ataturk, who is seen as their protector and the founder of their country.
Although Kemaliye remains understated in its public displays of history, it carries a rich legacy. It is a town where Ataturk’s influence is felt not just in portraits and symbols but in the hearts and minds of the people. Tourists who visit are often captivated by the Dark Canyon, one of the world’s five deepest canyons, yet it’s in Kemaliye that they discover a profound connection to their nation’s history.
In the words of Haluk Mutluay, a visitor from southern Turkey, “Ataturk means a lot to us, he’s our father.” Kemaliye stands as a living testament to these sentiments, honoring the enduring legacy of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
