Why did Atatürk's transformations of Turkey focus on modernization and renewal, rather than traditional history?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

With the breakup of the Ottoman empire, which many argued had been susceptible to being overthrown because of its emphasis on traditionalism and deliberate rejection of modernization in the nineteenth century, Atatürk promoted a new, modern nation of Turkey, rising from the remains of the Ottoman empire. Bolstered by success in a war against Greece, Atatürk gained land and population for his new nation. As President of Turkey, Atatürk concentrated on promotion of parliamentary rule, secular rule, and a new military that rejected traditional forms of dress and formalism. He modernized education in a Latinized alphabet, made it compulsory for all children, and promoted women's reform movements that also emphasized modernization. What made his reforms more challenging was that his emphasis on westernization as a means to modernize, meant allying with those who had been enemies during World War I, as the Ottomans had been part of the Central powers.