Mustafa Kermal and the Modernization of Turkey

The Ottoman Empire was a powerful empire that had control over land in three different continents at the height of it's power. However, like all great empires, it's power eventually declined. Times were changing and the Ottoman Empire couldn't keep up. The final blow came when World War 1 began. The Ottoman Empire joined the Central Powers and lost. The Empire was broken apart and from its ruins, the nation of Turkey was formed. Mustafa Kermal was the founder and 1st president of Turkey. It was under his rule that Turkey began to modernize itself and adapt to the changes of the 20th century. His reforms allowed all people to freely practice their faith, creating a secular system- a system where religion doesn't dominate the government or economy in Turkey. He wanted create a society where everyone was treated as an equal without prejudice from opposing religions. His reforms in the legal system allowed all of the Turkish citizens to live as equals.