This study examines Ataturk's life from his early military and political career. It includes chapters on the foundation of Turkey's national movement; the civil war; modernization, westernization and reform; and politics, opposition and conspiracy.

This concise account of the life and career of Mustafa Kemal AtatIrk (1881--1938), the formidable "founder of modern Turkey", offers a substantial revaluation of a key figure in modern history, and also an introduction to the Turkish republic itself. It is a timely study with Turkey again at the centre of international attention, as Islamic fundamentalists challenge many of AtatIrk's westernising and secularizing reforms, and as the regional aftershocks of the Soviet collapse reopen profound questions about Turkey's nature, role and relationships AtatIrk had sought to settle for good.

Preface. Introduction.
1. The Making of Mustafa Kemal: Acquisition of Power.
2. Early Career.
3. Moment of Decision.
4. Foundation of the National Movement.
5. Relations with Istanbul.
6. Civil War.
7. War.
8. Modernization, Westernization and Reform.
9. Politics, Opposition and Conspiracy.
10. The Closing Years.
Conclusion.
Further Reading.
Chronology.
Index.