On this day in 1923 the Republic of Turkey was founded, creating a secular nation-state unique for its steady increase towards modernity and progress. It is hard to imagine the sweeping changes Ataturk implemented, particularly in such a concise time frame. Even the alphabet changed in a mere matter of years from Arabic script to Latin script. Last names were adopted, dervish lodges were closed, and women were allowed to vote, along with many, many other major changes in politics, the economy, education, religion, society, the law and the culture. I wonder what it was like to be in the midst of such reforms? If you know of anyone who lived through this time period, please ask them! Record what they say, and preserve this first hand history.

Cumhuriyet bayramimiz kutlu olsun!