Introduction
The Turkish War of Independence (19 May 1919 – 29 October 1923) was a defining moment in Turkey's modern history. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, Anatolia faced occupation by Allied forces and the threat of partition through the Treaty of Sèvres. Amid this chaos, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk rose as the unifying figure who organized resistance, built political legitimacy, and led the path to national sovereignty.
Hypothesis: Without Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s leadership, the Turkish War of Independence would not have resulted in the successful establishment of a sovereign Turkish Republic.
This research site explores Atatürk’s critical leadership role in securing victory during the national struggle. Our thesis posits that without his diplomatic skill, political vision, and strategic foresight, the independence movement would have faltered, leaving Turkey fragmented and dominated by foreign powers.
This website explores historical documents, key battles, political milestones, and leadership comparisons to test this hypothesis and demonstrate the essential role Atatürk played in founding modern Turkey.