Turkish anarchists turn to Kemalism
Turkish youth, whom Ataturk referred to as the guardians of the republic, have turned him into an unlikely anti-establishment symbol, challenging not only Islamists but also the secular opposition.
A scarf bearing the stylish signature of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk covers the face of the mannequin and a white T-shirt with a portrait of a smiling Ataturk completes the unusual attire.
Ismail Saymaz, the shining investigative reporter of Turkish daily Radikal, took the photo on Nov. 15 in front of a boutique in Izmir, the Kemalist stronghold on Turkey's west coast.
“This is anarcho-Kemalism,” political scientist Fatih Yasli replied to the tweet by Saymaz that showcased this new street fashion of urban guerillas. “These are Kemalist SAs [referring to the Nazi paramilitary organization Sturmabteilung]. They are very dangerous when they’re crowded,” @durmance6470 replied, and @hasavrat tweeted right afterward, “Always found it so interesting that tattoo of Ataturk's signature is anti-establishment symbol.”
“The cult of Ataturk” has been widely analyzed by international media. Most recently on Nov. 10, when over 1 million Turks visited Ataturk’s mausoleum, breaking a record in the 75 years since his death. However, one dynamic aspect of this popular mythology remains under-reported: the surprising change in Kemalism’s public perception, which is a recent phenomenon in post-Gezi Turkey.
