Evaluate the success of Ataturk’s rule in the Turkish Republic up to 1938.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the success of Ataturk’s rule in the Turkish Republic by weighing up the strengths and limitations of his policies. They may argue that he was successful in achieving the aims of his policies of secularization and westernization. These included abolishing of the sultanate, the caliphate and Sharia law, introducing the Latin alphabet, westernizing dress, abolishing the veil and improving the status of women. He also succeeded in separating religion and state and introducing a modern civil legal code and a national, western-style, system of education. Candidates may mention economic growth during Ataturk’s rule and Ataturk’s success in steering a neutral course in diplomacy. Candidates may also address failures, such as his growing authoritarianism and persecution of minority groups, for instance.