Why Mustafa Kemal Changed the Ottoman/Arabic Turkish Script and Its Impact

For centuries, the Ottoman Empire and its successor, modern-day Turkey, used the Arabic script for its written language. However, in the early 20th century, a significant change occurred under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. This article delves into the reasons behind the change from the Ottoman-Arabic script to Latin script, exploring historical, cultural, and educational contexts.

Introduction to the Ottoman-Arabic Script

The Ottoman-Arabic script, also known as Ottoman Turkish, was a significant part of the traditional written language in the Ottoman Empire. It was a modified version of the Arabic script, incorporating both Persian and Ottoman Turkish elements. This script played a critical role in the cultural, religious, and political life of the empire and its successor states. However, by the early 1920s, it was becoming increasingly outdated and confusing, significantly hindering literacy rates.

The Low Literacy Rate and the Need for Reform

One of the main reasons for the deferment in literacy was the complexity and the unfamiliarity of the Ottoman-Arabic script. Prior to the switch, around 90% of the Turkish population could not read or write. This high illiteracy rate was a major concern for Ataturk and his supporters, as it hindered economic development, modernization, and social progress. The introduction of the Latin alphabet was seen as a vital step in improving literacy rates and integrating Turkey into the modern world.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's Vision for Modernization

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was a visionary who aimed to modernize and westernize Turkey. His reforms were wide-ranging and included significant changes to the state and society. One of the most notable changes was the adoption of the Latin alphabet. This shift was part of a broader effort to replace Middle Eastern influences in political and cultural life with a more European-centric approach.

Government and Educational Reforms

The adoption of the Latin alphabet was part of a larger set of reforms aimed at modernizing the educational system. In 1928, the Türk Dil ?ewriter? (Turkish Language Reform Commission) was established to coordinate and oversee the transition. This commission, led by scholars and linguists, worked tirelessly to standardize the Latin script and develop new orthographic rules. Schools across the country were quickly converted to use the new alphabet, and the process of changing textbooks and other materials to reflect the new script was rushed to meet a self-imposed deadline of January 1, 1929.

The Impact on Society and Language

The change to the Latin alphabet had profound effects on Turkish society. It not only improved literacy rates but also made the language more accessible and user-friendly for everyday use. The new alphabet was also more phonetic, meaning that the spelling of words more closely matched their pronunciation. This made learning to read and write much easier for children and adults alike. Additionally, the adoption of the Latin alphabet symbolized a rejection of the Ottoman past and a movement towards a more European-oriented future.

Cultural and Political Reforms

While the adoption of the Latin alphabet was a significant educational reform, it was also part of a broader set of cultural and political reforms. Ataturk and his supporters worked to reduce the influence of religious and traditional practices in favor of a more secular state. They also sought to distance Turkey from its Arab neighbors and establish it as a culturally distinct and autonomous entity. The hatred towards Arabs and the belief that Turks were superior to Arabs were underlying factors in Ataturk's reforms.

Legacy of the Reforms

Today, the Latin alphabet is deeply ingrained in Turkish culture and society. It is used in everyday life, from road signs and menus to newspapers and online content. The impact of the changes made by Ataturk and his government not only improved education but also laid the foundation for a modern, secular, and more integrated Turkey in the international community.

Conclusion

The switch from the Ottoman-Arabic script to the Latin alphabet was a pivotal moment in Turkish history. It represented a significant step in modernizing the country and improving literacy rates. While the motivations behind the change were complex and multifaceted, the outcome was undeniably positive. today, the Latin alphabet remains a symbol of Turkey's commitment to progress and westernization, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.