Atatürk in Chinese imagination in the 1920s and 1930s

This article explores the perception of Atatürk, the founder of modern Türkiye, in the Chinese imagination during the 1920s- 1930s. Atatürk’s rise to prominence as a pivotal figure in halting the decline of the Ottoman Empire and his transformative reforms captured the attention of Chinese intellectuals, who were undergoing their own modernisation efforts. Chinese intellectuals admired Türkiye’s progress and saw it as a source of inspiration for their own nation’s revitalisation. The article highlights the Chinese media’s coverage of Atatürk’s leadership during the Turkish War of Independence and his subsequent reforms. Chinese media drew comparisons between China and Türkiye, reflecting on Türkiye’s achievements and encouraging introspection among Chinese readers about their own country’s future trajectory. Moreover, the article discusses the influence of Kemalism on the Chinese revolution. The article sheds light on the admiration for Atatürk and Kemalism in the Chinese imagination during a period of significant socio-political changes in both nations.

Admiration · China · Chinese culture · Introspection · Modernization theory · Transformative learning · Turkish · Historical Turkish Studies · History and Cultural Heritage · Turkey's Politics and Society