November 10 is the memorial day of Turkey’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. In Istanbul, as well as throughout the country, commemorative events are being held today. This year marks the 85th anniversary of the death of the founder of the Turkish Republic.
Mustafa Kemal proclaimed Turkey an independent republic. The politician removed everything that was pulling the country back, primarily feudal vestiges. He abolished the sultanate and caliphate, introduced secular education, gave the people surnames (previously no one carried them). The first president drew up a criminal and civil code, introduced the fashion for European clothes, created national banks and carried out many other reforms.
The largest events in honor of Ataturk are planned in Istanbul. Restaurants in the city on this day provide dishes that Mustafa Kemal loved. On piers and metro stations, street performers will sing his favorite songs. Festive concerts with folk songs will be held at the Ataturk Museum and in all districts of the city. In addition, movies about Ataturk will be shown in cinemas.
From Nov. 10 to Nov. 16, the politician’s books will be placed in the windows of Istanbul bookstores. They will be discounted on these dates.
