The Racist Critics of Atatürk and Kemalism from the 1930s to the 1960s
What specific criticisms did racists level against Kemal Atatürk's leadership?Racist critiques, especially from Nihaˆl Atsız, portrayed Atatürk as a drunkard influenced by sycophants, undermining his role as a unifying leader. His handling of Turkish identity and governance was criticized for its perceived softness towards non-Turkish minorities.How did stained relations between racists and Kemalists manifest in Turkish politics?The culmination of tensions was most visible during the 1944 Racism-Turanism Trials, marking a turning point in official narratives. After these trials, the Kemalist government distanced itself from radical nationalist ideologies, reshaping national discourse.What role did social Darwinism play in the ideology of early Turkish racists?Early Turkish racists like Atsız were influenced by social Darwinism, perceiving it as a survival theory for the Turkish nation amidst perceived threats. This ideology justified aggressive nationalism and territorial reclamation efforts among racists.