Ataturk (Mustafa Kemal)

Founder of modern Turkey

Modern influential 79 sayings

Sayings by Ataturk (Mustafa Kemal)

A nation that does not know how to laugh cannot be a great nation.

1935 — Statement during a dinner party
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only real guide in life is science.

1925 — Speech at the opening of the Faculty of Law
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Peace at home, peace in the world.

1931 — Frequently repeated foreign policy principle
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The Turkish nation is a nation that has been accustomed to being a master throughout history.

1923 — Speech in Adana
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

How happy is the one who says 'I am a Turk'.

1933 — Inscription on the Atatürk Monument in Ankara
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The most reliable guide in life is science and technology.

1924 — Speech to teachers
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I do not want to see the faces of those who oppose the revolution.

1925 — Statement during the Hat Law debates
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap.

c. 1926-1927 — Reportedly said to Grace Ellison, following a statement on religion.
Humorous Unverifiable

There are no hopeless situations, there are desperate people. I have never lost hope.

Undated — Motivational statement.
Humorous Unverifiable

Religions have been basis of the tyranny of kings and sultans.

Undated — General statement reflecting his secularist views.
Humorous Unverifiable

Victory is for those who can say 'Victory is mine'. Success is for those who can begin saying 'I will succeed' and say 'I have succeeded' in the end.

Undated — Motivational statement on perseverance.
Humorous Unverifiable

The major secret of success is to be master of the nation.

1927 — Speech to the Turkish Grand National Assembly
Controversial Unverifiable

The people who lack the power to defend their sovereignty do not deserve to be called a nation.

1921 — Speech during the War of Independence
Controversial Unverifiable

Women’s most important duty is motherhood.

1923 — Speech on women's rights
Controversial Unverifiable

The Turkish Republic must be free from every kind of foreign intervention and influence.

1923 — Speech on foreign policy
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to protect our independence and sovereignty is to rely on our own strength.

1921 — Speech on national defense
Controversial Unverifiable

The Turkish nation is industrious. Therefore, the Turkish nation is worthy of freedom.

1923 — Speech on national identity
Controversial Unverifiable

The Turkish nation is a military nation.

1921 — Speech on national identity
Controversial Unverifiable

The Turkish nation is a nation that loves civilization.

1923 — Speech on national identity
Controversial Confirmed

The Turkish nation is a nation that loves agriculture.

1923 — Speech on national identity
Controversial Unverifiable