Books Written by Atatürk

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was not only a great soldier and politician but also an impressive orator, a bibliophile fond of reading, and an enlightened intellectual. He was an exemplary citizen of the Republic of Turkey, making significant contributions to education, art, culture, sports, and everyday life. As we celebrate the centenary anniversary of our Republic, let us remember Atatürk’s influence as a writer and reflect on his works, which bear his signature and contain his memories, experiences, and speeches based on his life journey. Let us honour Atatürk with love and gratitude for his remarkable achievements and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of our nation.

Nutuk – The Speech

At the top of our list is Atatürk’s most famous and widely read work, “The Speech,” also known as “Söylev” (Public Speech). This work, which he wrote with great effort, is a valuable legacy that deals with the past, present, and future. It contains his experiences, advice, and predictions for the future and has historical significance.

Geometry

The Language Revolution, which began after the establishment of the Turkish Language Research Society on July 12, 1932, was a movement that aimed to simplify the Turkish language and purify it from foreign words. This movement gained momentum with the establishment of commissions for the Turkish translation of science, art, and technical terms taken from Arabic and Persian. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, personally intervened to replace Ottoman terms with Turkish words in the field of geometry, formerly called ‘hendese’. His dedication to this cause was truly inspiring. After attending the Third Turkish Language Congress in 1936, Atatürk wrote a book called Geometry in Dolmabahçe Palace. He intended this book to be a guide for those who teach geometry and those who write books on this subject.

Sun Language Theory

This book holds a fascinating story behind it, as it is one of Atatürk’s lesser-known works. Through the curiosity of his adopted daughter, Afet İnan, the authorship of a series of articles was revealed. She wrote a letter to Mustafa Kemal about a series of articles on the Sun-Language Theory published anonymously in the Ulus newspaper between November 2 and December 7 of 1935. In her letter, intrigued to find out who the author of these articles was, she pointed out that the language used in these articles was similar to Ata’s writing style. Mustafa Kemal, in response to her inquiry, revealed that he was, in fact, the author. This work is a testament to Atatürk’s love for the Turkish language and the importance he placed on it.

Conversation Between Officer and Commander

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was a skilled military leader, statesman, and writer. However, his achievements in other areas often overshadow his literary works. Nuri Conker (1881-1937), who was Atatürk’s childhood friend, fellow soldier, and colleague, wrote a book called Officer and Commander which chronicles their experiences together in Tripoli, Çanakkale, and the War of Independence. In response, Atatürk wrote a book called Conversation Between Officer and Commander, which further elaborated on their experiences. One of the main themes that both books explore is the importance of good governance, state administration, and patriotism.

Cumalı Military Camp

Cumalı Camp is a work that Atatürk also mentioned in his book, The Speech. It is known that it was penned after the cavalry manoeuvres carried out by Suphi Pasha in Cumalı, in the Stip region, Macedonia. Mustafa Kemal wrote about the ten days he spent there, thinking of Cumalı Camp as the resumption of the military life he longed for. This work contains daily notes taken between August 29th and September 8th of 1909, along with sketches, and provides important insights into Atatürk’s understanding of military service.

History of the Battle of Chunuk Bair 

The Battle of Chunuk Bair, which occurred on 10 August 1915, is a significant event in history. During the war, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk wrote notes in his own handwriting in a school notebook. These notes provide a detailed account of the events that took place, minute by minute. Mustafa Kemal gave these notes to Dr. Reşit Galip, Secretary General of the Turkish Historical Society, who later turned them into a book. The book is valuable because it presents a detailed and first-hand account of the battle.

Sivas Congress Days

The Sivas Congress was a critical meeting that played a significant role in determining policies to safeguard the country’s independence and integrity. These policies were then implemented throughout the nation. The Sivas Congress is considered one of the most significant events in our history and is mentioned in Atatürk’s The Speech. Selma Günaydın and Yusuf Turan Günaydın have compiled a book that quotes the section of The Speech about the Sivas Congress.

Battles of Arıburnu Report

This report is a significant historical document authored by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The Ottoman War History branch asked him to write his memories, which resulted in the creation of this report. The document covers important developments from 25 April 1915, the day of the first landing in Arıburnu, when he was assigned to the 19th Division Command, until 8-9 August 1915, when he was appointed to the Anafartalar Group Command.

Commemorative Notes

The Commemorative Notes by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in his handwriting while serving on the Eastern Front (Diyarbakır, Siirt) contain extremely valuable historical and cultural information for the Turkish people.

Bursa Speech with Documents

The Bursa Speech is a significant text in which Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, known for his exceptional talent and wisdom in oratory, addressed the Turkish youth during his visit to Bursa. It provides valuable advice on self-reflection and guidance for our present and future.

Independence is My Character

This work is an exceptionally reliable source for those interested in reading a thoughtfully curated collection of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s words. It features an impressive narrative and lyrics and bears one of his most famous quotes, “Independence is My Character,” on its cover and title.

1923 Eskişehir-İzmit Speeches

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha embarked on a month-long journey to Western Anatolia on January 14, 1923. His first destination was Eskişehir, and his final stop was the Izmir Economic Congress on February 17, 1923. During his travels, Atatürk wrote the texts and additional notes for his speeches, leaving behind a valuable historical legacy that should be read.