Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’ün Halkçılık ve Devletçilik İlkesi: Sun Yat-sen’in Siyasi Düşüncesiyle Karşılaştırma*

Introduction rule the state. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had the

“The Principles of Kemalism” (Tongas, 1939Tongas (1939). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.), and MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATÜRK IS A WELL-KNOWN Sun’s political philosophy is known as the “Three historical figure in Turkey, just as Sun Yat-sen is Principles of the People”: that is, The Principle of in China. The similarities between the two figures Nationalism, The Principle of Democracy, and are clear. First, they were both Republic Founders, The Principle of Livelihood. the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and the Republic Fourth, both suffered troubles with their of China in 1912. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is health from great causes. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk known as the “father of the Turks”, his surname, lived to 57 years old (1881-1938), and Sun Yat- Atatürk, was given to him by the Grand National sen lived to 59 years old (1866-1925). Assembly of Turkey. Sun Yat-sen is known as “the Fifth, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Sun Yat-sen father of the Nations” in the Republic of China are figures of charisma for respectively producing since he was its first provisional president. moral power among the people of their countries. Second, they both contributed to eradicating Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Sun Yat-sen are the “Empire system” and overthrew the old order great men with far-reaching influence, meaning (the Ottoman Empire and the Qing Dynasty). research on them has been very abundant. In Third, they had ideas and outlines of how to terms of materials, Atatürk’s articles and works,

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (Atatürk website, 2021) Sun Yat-sen (China Daily, 2019)

personal notes, speeches, letters, conversation Main Contributions and Key Thought

records, and public government archives are Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established the Revery rich as “original materials”. There are public of Turkey and carried out successful reforcountless biographies of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. ms (Kinross, 2002Kinross (2002). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). In detail, his historical cont- The existing research involves Atatürk’s policy, ributions can be summarized as follows: thought, diplomacy, contributions, and all 1) He successfully led the national liberation aspects of his daily life. In Chinese books, like movement, won national independence, and sathe “History of the Middle East” (Zhi, 2010Zhi (2010). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.), feguarded Turkey’s national dignity and soveremore emphasis is placed on the achievements of ignty. Atatürk’s revolution and modernization reform. 2) The Republic of Turkey was founded, the Sun Yat-sen left many first-hand materials, sultanate and the Caliphate system were abolissuch as letters, speeches, conversations, hed, and the constitution of the Republic of Turwritings, and telegrams. There are also many key was promulgated, which laid the foundation kinds of biographies and papers on Sun Yatfor democracy and modernization. sen too. Only Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and 3) He developed the national economy and Sun Yat-sen’s political thoughts are taken promoted economic modernization with natioas an example in this paper, especially nalist policy. regarding their similarities and differences. 4) He reformed education and the Turkish alp-

habet, which improved the nation’s culture and 1) Republicanism, Cumhuriyetçilik in Tur-

trained a large number of professional workers kish, represents the republican system instead of

and artists. monarchy, reflecting the principle of “the rule of

5) Through the reform of social customs, su- the people” rather than individual dictatorship.

perstition was eliminated, science was promo- 2) Nationalism, Milliyetçilik in Turkish, me-

ted, polygamy was prohibited, women were gi- ans Turkey’s territorial integrity, Turkey’s natio-

ven the right to vote, and the secularization of nal independence, and its position in the inter-

social life was realized. national community.

3) Populism1 , Halkçılık in Turkish, refers to state power belonging to the people (power

Sun Yat-sen’s thought and comes from the people), everyone equal before

governing program, “Three the law, the government as the government of

Principles of the People”, was the people that seeks welfare for all, objection to

put forward by Sun himself and privileges, opposition to the division of Turkish

included different contents. society into different classes.

4) Reformism, İnkılapçılık in Turkish, also

In a word, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk played a translated as “Revolutionism”, means a constant

central role in the creation of modern Turkey. re-evaluation of the status quo to actively forge

Sun Yat-sen was a pioneer of China’s de- ahead and unremittingly carry out social and

mocratic revolution. He first held the banner economic reform.

of anti-Qing and anti-feudalism movements, 5) Laicism, Lâiklik in Turkish, includes poli-

launched multiple armed uprisings, organized tical and religious separation, opposing the in-

revolutionary political parties, and led the revo- terference of religious forces in state power (re-

lution of 1911; he founded the Republic of Chi- move the interference and restraint of religion

na, overthrew feudal autocracy, and promulga- in politics), the secularization of law, education,

ted the Provisional Constitution of the Republic and social life, and abolishing religious privile-

of China, which rooted the concept of Republic ges.

deeply in the hearts of the people. However, Sun 6) Statism, Devletçilik in Turkish, addresses

Yat-sen had not finished his cause when he died. state intervention in the economy, the encou-

Atatürk’s thought and governing program, ragement of private businesses, development

the famous “The Principles of Kemalism”, was of the national economy independently, with

gradually formed in practice from 1919 to 1931. “Monopoly” in some areas. The goal is to realize

After 1931, “six arrows” were used to represent independence, freedom, and equality in Turkey

the “six principles” of the party platform of the and the civilization and progress of Turkish so-

Republican people’s party. These became “the ciety (Xian, 2001Xian (2001). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).

Principles of Kemalism”, also known as “Atatürk- Sun Yat-sen’s thought and governing prog-

çülük” in Turkish or “Atatürkism” in English. ram, “Three Principles of the People”, was put

The “six principles” are summarized as fol- forward by Sun himself and included different

lows: contents.

1 Editor’s Note (Ed.N.): “Populism” in Turkey is different from that of other countries. In general, this word includes pejorative meanings, however, in Turkey it has 43

positive meaning which refers to prioritizing of public interest.

Ataturk in Ankara (Atatürk website, 2021Atatürk website (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)

1) The Principle of Nationalism is to oppose Sun Yat-sen envisioned that through imple-

the rule of Manchu, the Qing Dynasties, and the menting the Three Principles of People, “people

aggression of foreign powers, overthrow war- make the best of their talents, places, things and

lords, seek the equality of all ethnic groups in goods” (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,

China, and recognize the right of national sel- Institute of Modern History ed.,1981a). All ai-

f-determination. ming towards making the country rich, the pe-

2) The Principle of Democracy refers to the ople strong, and the whole world as one com-

implementation of democratic politics shared munity. Sun Yat-sen once explained that every

by ordinary civilians. The government has the country must follow its own methods when de-

power of legislation, judicature, administration, aling with livelihood problems, not necessarily

examination, and supervision so that the peop- imitating the West because Western countries

le have the power of election, recall, creation, have not solved their own problems and the Ku-

and referendum. It emphasizes the distinction omintang can solve the livelihood problem of

between direct civil rights and power, that is, the Chinese people through equal land owner-

that the government has governance and the pe- ship and capital control (Wells, 2001Wells (2001). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).

ople have political power. Atatürk’s and Sun Yat-sen’s thoughts have the

3) The most important part, The Principle of same goals that reflect national desires to beco-

livelihood, includes: first, average land owners- me rich and strong from poverty and the urgent

hip and, second, the control of capital, meaning requirement to integrate into the mainstream

private individuals cannot manipulate the peop- civilization of the world.

le's livelihood (Xian, 1948Xian (1948). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).

A Comparison of Halkçılık and Devletçilik “Nationalism” in Kemalism is the most comp-

lex of the six principles; it cannot be explained in

Referring to Sun Yat-sen's “Three Principles of a few words. After the disintegration of the mul-

People”, we see that only “Nationalism” among ti-ethnic empire, the Turks could only establish

the six principles of Kemalism is the same as Sun their own Republic. Its territory was dominated

Yat-sen’s “Nationalism”. However, their respecti- by Anatolia and Eastern Thrace, meaning the

ve definitions and applications of “Nationalism” residents were limited to Turkish speakers and a

varies greatly. Despite this, Halkçılık and Devlet- few Armenians and Kurds. In fact, the Republic

çilik have similar contents to Sun Yat Sen’s The of Turkey had undergone “national reconstru-

Principle of Democracy and The Principle of ction” before it became the Turkish nation that

Livelihood, which this paper focuses on compa- nationalism defined in the constitution. In his

ring. speeches in March 1922 and March 1923, Mus-

tafa Kemal Atatürk focused on his national view, defining the relationship between “Turkish nati-

Among the six principles of onal tradition” and “Islam”, and put forward the

Kemalism, there are similar goal of rebuilding the “Turkish Identity”. Mustafa

contents to Sun Yat-sen’s “civil Kemal Atatürk separated the “Turkish nation and

rights” and “people’s livelihood”. its history” from those complex thoughts and

ideas (Tao, 2011Tao (2011). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). To reconstruct national iden-

Sun Yat-sen’s nationalist thought has gone th- tity, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the historians

rough an evolution process. At first, it was “pla- who supported him created a “Turkish view of

toon Manchu”, which proposed “expelling Tartar history” by studying Turkey’s early history, com-

prisoners and restoring China” by focusing on an piling history textbooks, and holding a history

anti-Manchu rule. Later, he abandoned the simp- conference.

le “Han chauvinism” and emphasized the “five Among the six principles of Kemalism, there

ethnic republics”. In a speech in 1924, there was are similar contents to Sun Yat-sen’s “civil rights”

a new interpretation of nationalism, which inc- and “people’s livelihood”. Regarding civil rights

luded opposing the aggression of foreign powers and people’s livelihood, Sun emphasized eradica-

and recognizing the right of national self-deter- ting the idea of imperial power and returning the

mination. Sun Yat-sen’s nationalism is relative to government to the people. He also emphasized

cosmopolitanism. In Sun Yat-sen’s view, the way solving the basic survival problems of the people

to restore the national spirit is to catch up, make and put forward that “the first priority of cons-

yourself strong, and maintain due independence. truction lies in people’s livelihood”. In the “six

When you become strong, you should “help the principles” of Kemalism, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

weak and help the lean, do our national duty, and did not literally mention “civil rights” and “pe-

use the inherent moral peace as the foundation ople’s livelihood” in six principles but asserted

to unify the world and become a rule of great “people’s rule” rather than autocracy in “Repub-

harmony” (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, licanism”. He also advocated in “Populism” that

Institute of Modern History ed., 1981b). power comes from the people and that it is the

Atatürk in Dolmabahçe Palace (Atatürk website, 2021Atatürk website (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)

responsibility of the government to seek welfa- with evil people, justice fought with power, and

re for all, which is consistent with Sun Yat-sen’s civil rights gradually developed. Civil rights ad-

principle of “civil rights”. vocate equality in political status. It is necessary

Sun Yat-sen’s thoughts on “civil rights” are very to break the monarchy and make everyone equ-

precious. The Five Power Constitution proposed al. Therefore, civil rights correspond to equality

by Sun refers to the separation of legislative, ad- (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of

ministrative, and judicial powers in Western Modern History ed., 1981d). This truth is conci-

countries, drawing lessons from the examination se, easy to understand, and thorough.

and supervision system in China’s ancient politi- In Atatürk’s reform, the reform of the legal

cal system. He created two powers of examination system was put at the core, and legal means were

and supervision, which is unique in the history of used to protect civil rights, the safety of people’s

world political thought. Sun Yat-sen’s understan- lives and property, and people’s right to education

ding of “civil rights” is that “Managing people’s and development. The State encourages the priva-

affairs is politics. Having the power to manage te economy and protects the private property of

people’s affairs is political power. Today, mana- farmers. The Izmir economic conference in 1923

ging political affairs with the people is called ci- discussed this national economic development

vil rights” (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, by formulating national economic policy, encou-

Institute of Modern History ed., 1981c). Sun Yat- raging the development of private enterprises in

sen’s view of history is as follows: people compete Turkey, implementing the protective tariff policy,

for power with the monarch, resulting in revolu- and establishing the national bank. From 1927 to

tion; in the era of civil rights, good people fought 1929, the land law was passed to distribute land

to landless farmers. The government encouraged sen’s political thoughts, we should analyze their

industrial mechanization and established credit historical background and basic conditions.

and sales cooperatives (Berberoglu, 1982Berberoglu (1982). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). After First, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his suppor-

1929, Turkey adopted the Soviet model and imp- ters completed the multiple tasks of dynastic,

lemented the policy of state intervention in the institutional, and social change. The most critical

economy. Obviously, the issues of “civil rights” reforms were at the political level. Mustafa Ke-

and “people’s livelihood” in Atatürk’s principles mal Atatürk realized one “replacement” and two

summarize the experience of the Turkish gover- “separations”. The “replacement” was the well-

nment in the process of institutional reform and known “replacing the sultanate with the repub-

national construction. lican system”. The first “separation” was the rapid

realization of “separation of politics and religion”, the breakdown of intervention by religious forces Mustafa Kemal’s Halkçılık and in the political field to realize secularization. The Devletçilik have been put into second “separation” was the gradual realization

practice and achieved results. of the “separation of military and government”.

When founding the Republic of Turkey, most of

In contrast, while Sun Yat-sen’s thoughts on the political elites were soldiers. Mustafa Kemal

“civil rights” and “people’s livelihood” are reaso- Atatürk and İsmet Bey set an example, took off

nable, they are just his personal ideas. After the their military uniforms and engaged in full-time

northern expedition, the Kuomintang gained na- political work or foreign affairs. It also stipulates

tional power and respected Sun Yat-sen’s “Three that the officers in parliament must withdraw

Principles of People” in theory rather than in pra- from military posts and realize the civilian lea-

ctice. In fact, it neither promoted civil rights nor dership of the military.

solved the problem of people’s livelihood. Next, we should highlight more differences

In short, Kemalism is a summary of practical between these two important historical figures.

political practice, which is to the point and easy Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary activities were

to operate. Mustafa Kemal’s Halkçılık and Dev- early, but until his death in 1925, “the revolu-

letçilik have been put into practice and achieved tion was not successful”. Mustafa Kemal Ata-

results. Although Sun Yat-sen’s “Three Principles türk led the war of national independence and

of People” are systematic, comprehensive, thou- achieved success in more than three years. Sun

ghtful, and farsighted, Sun Yat-sen’s thoughts on Yat-sen was inspired by Atatürk’s success and

“civil rights” and “people’s livelihood” were never Turkey’s victory. Sun Yat-sen’s article praised the

put into practice. 1908 Turkish Revolution to inspire Chinese re-

volutionary martyrs. Atatürk’s starting point is

Comparison Based on Their Historical very different from Sun Yat-sen. When Mustafa

Backgrounds Kemal Atatürk led the national independence

movement, he was already a senior military ge-

To compare the similarities and differences neral and a member of the Ottoman Parliament

between Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Sun Yat- (constitutional monarchy from 1908 to 1918).

Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary activities relied on had no social status. In the face of a fragmented

his ambition and talent, which experienced society and a huge illiterate group, Sun Yat-sen’s

many failures. revolution was much more difficult. Sun Yat-sen

did not have political resources (power, social status, etc.) and just relied on one belief and

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was a constant persuasion. Therefore, Sun Yat-sen is

great politician and strategist, not comparable to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on

and his personal quality, talent, this point.

and perseverance are undeniably Third, when commenting on these two histo-

superior. rical figures, we should take an attitude of trans-

cending utilitarianism. Sun Yat-sen and Mustafa

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was a great politici- Kemal Atatürk are both magnanimous leaders

an and strategist, and his personal quality, ta- who did not care about fame and wealth, perso-

lent, and perseverance are undeniably superior. nal gains, or losses. According to the standard

However, there are some objective conditions of Chinese historian Qian Mu’s evaluation of

for his success: first, the Ottoman Empire col- historical figures, Sun Yat-sen and Mustafa Ke-

lapsed, so Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s mission was mal Atatürk were born at the end of the world

to save the Turkish nation. Second, the humili- as “figures with performance”. Mustafa Kemal

ation of the Ottoman Sultan government made Atatürk was a successful figure, and Sun Yat-sen

the “light” of the Sultan and the Caliph no longer was an unsuccessful figure, but his influence was

as dazzling as before, and the difficulty and re- still great.

sistance of abolishing the two systems were gre- Atatürk’s political practice was unique and

atly reduced. Third, the westernization reform has a prominent position in world history. Sun

practice of the late Ottoman Empire made the Yat-sen was erudite and knowledgeable, had

concept of Western civilization go deep into the great feelings, was generous, and understood the

minds of intellectuals. In particular, the second nature of civilians. He dared to be the first and

constitutional government (1908-1918) directly was resolute, optimistic, visionary, and calm in

reserved and trained several leading cadres for the case of setbacks and change. His spirit and

the Republic of Turkey, including Mustafa Ke- personality are admirable. Sun Yat-sen’s pursuit

mal Atatürk himself. to strive and build a new China with “the most

In contrast, Sun Yat-sen was not as lucky as enlightened politics and the most comfortable

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Sun Yat-sen’s task was people” is so lofty and beautiful a goal that it is

too ambitious: to establish a republic on a vast worth fighting for (Sun, 2011Sun (2011). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).

territory and change the fate of more than 400

million people of dozens of ethnic groups such Conclusion

as Han, Mongolian, Hui, etc. Moreover, Sun Yat-

sen was not a soldier and had no army at first Contemporary Turks can openly talk about

(Huangpu Military Academy was established Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, question the “Atatürk

only in 1924). He was not in the government and era”, and even criticize his doctrine as Turkey’s

progress. His reform was successful, because he on the similarities and differences between Sun Yat

carried out sweeping institutional changes and Sen’s nationalism and Atatürk’s nationalism (Gür-

transformed other aspects of society. The goal of can, 2010). For us, the thoughts of these two great

Atatürk’s reform was to move towards a modern figures need further reading and thinking on the

civilized society. The reform of educational con- basis of this paper.

cepts and methods gave birth to a huge knowledgeable group in Turkish society, brought up ci- References tizens with independent personalities, and made

them the cornerstone of modern civilized society Berberoglu, B. (1982). The Turkey In Crisis: From State Capitalism to

Neo-colonialism. London: Zed Press, 27-28. in Turkey. Sun Yat-sen’s goals and aspirations Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of Modern History ed. were similar, but they were never truly realized. (1981a). Complete Works of Sun Yat-sen. Beijing: Zhonghua Book

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Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of Modern History Decades later, the Chinese revolution led by ed. (1981c). Sun Yat-sen’s Speech: Three principles of people. Mao Zedong won a victory and established an in- Complete Works of Sun Yat-sen. Beijing: Zhonghua Book Company.

dependent People’s Republic in China. The Chi- Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of Modern History

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