Sculpting the Leader and Making the Nation; Atatürk Monuments and Statues in the Early Republican Period

Abstract

This article argues that statues and monuments to Atatürk were constructed as symbols of the nation-state intended to unite society. To fill the void left by Ottoman-era images, the nation-state provided the nascent nation with a new symbol. Atatürk’s monuments and statues were more than simply stone structures: they were erected to serve as a central focal point in the heart of the nation. They were physically located in the centre of towns and cities to mark a gathering point, and national ceremonies were held in front of them. These monuments and statues of Atatürk not only placed him at the centre of Turkish political life but also made a significant contribution to ensuring his perpetual visibility as a significant presence in daily life throughout Turkey. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.