Atatürk's reforms

Atatürk pursued a comprehensive secular modernization program designed to remake Turkey on European models. His reforms are sometimes called the Six Arrows of Kemalism: republicanism, nationalism, populism, statism (state-led economic development), secularism, and revolutionism (commitment to ongoing reform). Specific measures included:

• Abolition of the Caliphate (1924): The Ottoman Sultan had also been Caliph, religious leader of Sunni Islam globally. Atatürk abolished both offices, separating religion from the state.
• Secularization of law: Sharia courts were abolished. A new civil code based on Swiss law replaced Islamic family law. Marriage became a civil contract requiring registration.
• Women's rights: Polygamy was banned. Women received the right to vote in 1934 (ahead of France and Italy). Education for girls expanded. Western dress was promoted; the veil was discouraged though not banned.
• Education: Religious schools were closed or absorbed into the secular state system. Mass literacy was made a priority.
• Latin alphabet (1928): The Arabic alphabet that had been used to write Turkish was replaced with a modified Latin alphabet. Atatürk himself toured the country teaching the new letters. This made literacy easier and oriented Turkish culture toward Europe rather than the Arab and Persian world.
• Western calendar and time: Turkey adopted the Gregorian calendar and the 24-hour clock.
• Dress reform: The fez (traditional Ottoman hat) was banned in public. Western-style hats and clothing were promoted. Atatürk personally modeled European dress.
• Surname Law (1934): Required all Turkish citizens to adopt family surnames in the Western pattern. Atatürk himself received his famous surname from this law.