Leadership & Strategy

Atatürk’s leadership was characterized by masterful military strategy, visionary political insight, and compelling rhetoric. On the military front, he transformed improvised militias into a disciplined and effective fighting force. His most notable contribution was the defense strategy employed during the Battle of Sakarya. Rejecting the idea of a fixed defense line, Atatürk adopted a flexible, defense-in-depth approach summarized in his famous phrase, “There is no defense line, but defense area” (“Hattı müdafaa yoktur; sathı müdafaa vardır”). This tactic wore down the advancing Greek army and ultimately brought their offensive to a halt.

Atatürk’s leadership during the Great Offensive at Afyon-Kocatepe culminated in the decisive victory at Dumlupınar. This success significantly weakened the Greek military presence and paved the way for the end of organized opposition, marking a turning point in the war.

Politically, Atatürk tirelessly worked to legitimize the Ankara-based nationalist government. The establishment of the Grand National Assembly on April 23, 1920, was a key milestone that provided legal and political authority to the nationalist cause. Atatürk’s ability to unite diverse groups—from Islamists to secular nationalists—was vital to maintaining internal cohesion during the struggle. His speeches, widely disseminated in the nationalist newspaper Hakimiyet-i Milliye, articulated a clear vision of national sovereignty and popular will. This political solidarity elevated the movement from mere armed rebellion to a legitimate government recognized as an equal negotiating partner by other nations.