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 Atat & uuml;rk 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. Atat & uuml;rk'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 Atat & uuml;rk 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.