Atatürk and Bosphorus
The importance Mustafa Kemal Atatürk attached to the Bosphorus
“At the crossroads of two worlds, Istanbul, the jewel of the Turkish homeland, the wealth of Turkish history, the apple of the eye of the Turkish nation, is the city that has a place in the hearts of all citizens.”
- President Gazi, July 1, 1927
As the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk attached great importance to the strategic and cultural wealth of the country. The Bosphorus was a very important region for Atatürk, both geopolitically and culturally. Throughout history, the Bosphorus has served as a bridge between East and West and has been one of the most strategic waterways in world history, both militarily and economically. Atatürk was aware of this strategic position and cultural heritage of the Bosphorus and believed that the Bosphorus should be protected, developed and valued in terms of national identity.
The importance Mustafa Kemal Atatürk attached to the Bosphorus
Atatürk’s appreciation of the Bosphorus was shaped by both geopolitical and cultural considerations. The importance of the Bosphorus for Turkey’s international position, security and cultural heritage played an important role in Atatürk’s vision. Diplomatic achievements such as the Montreux Convention and his efforts to modernize Istanbul are clear indicators of how Atatürk saw the Bosphorus as a national asset.
Atatürk believed that this rich cultural heritage of Istanbul and the Bosphorus should be preserved and promoted worldwide.
Cultural and Historical Value
Atatürk saw the Bosphorus not only as a military and strategic gateway, but also as a cultural and historical heritage. As the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul had been the meeting point of civilizations throughout history, and the Bosphorus was a symbol of this meeting.
The natural beauty and historical significance of the Bosphorus was a great source of inspiration for Atatürk's identity and image of modern Turkey.
