Today is the anniversary of Atatürk's death. Let's see how much we know about him and his contributions to present Turkey, which he founded after the WWI. His statues are virtually everywhere you go, he's the single most revered national hero.
Atatürk was the millitary commander under whose leadership Turkey became an independent country in 1923. He was also the first president for 15 years.
It's him who secularized Turkey, changed the alphabet to latin and introduced tons of revolutionary changes in the society (including giving rights to women). I can't think of many more people in the world history who were even closely as influential, brilliant, charismatic and ahead of their times as Atatürk. He literally changed the course of the history.
Some argue that because the social and political changes were imposed on the society (as opposed to the society developing on its own), people didn't fully embrace them. Also, he introduced the idea of nationalism into the Turkish society.

For more information, you can check out:
http://www.ataturk.com/
http://www.answers.com/topic/mustafa-kemal-atat-rk

Thank you for reminding us Catwoman What an amazing man. Here are some of his most famous quotations:-

"In order to stave off covetouness, greed, and spite, citizens world over must be educated".

"We do not consider our principles as dogmas contained in books said to come from heaven. We derive our inspiration, not from heaven, or the unseen world, but directly from life".

"It was when I entered the military preparatory school and put on its uniform, that a feeling of strength came to me, as if I had become master of my own destiny".

"My people are going to learn the principles of democracy the dictates of truth and the teachings of science. Superstition must go. Let them worship as they will, every man can follow his own conscience provided it does not interfere with sane reason or bid him act against the liberty of his fellow men".

"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives.. you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours.. You the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears. Your sons are now living in our bosom and are in peace. Having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well"

Incredible what he achieved in such a short period of time.I am surprised there has not been more response to this thread but I suppose people nowadays tend to forget their history.

I had never heard of Atatürk until I joined this site! :-S And I have since learnt a great deal both about Turkey and Atatürk. I can't remember learning about Turkey at school only in geography, except I had this notion about Constantinople (loved the word) being a fascinating place and I found out later in life, why I had this fascination - my grandmother was half Turkish!

Yes he acheived a great deal for Turkey and it's people - and think that his model could be well used in other parts of the world too!

...indeed, Catwoman, thank you so much for the links! ...most interesting in my opinion!