Nihal Atsız

Nihal Atsız, born on January twelfth, nineteen oh five, was a multifaceted figure in Turkish literature and politics. As a poet, writer, opinion journalist, lecturer, and historian, he made significant contributions to Turkish ultranationalism through his literary works. Atsız was a prolific author, having penned over thirty books and numerous articles, and he became known for his strong opposition to the government of İsmet İnönü, which he criticized for its collaboration with communists.

Self-identifying as a racist, Pan-Turkist, and Turanist, Atsız was the ideologue behind Atsızism. His political views often led to controversy, including accusations of sympathizing with Nazi Germany and plotting against the Turkish government. Initially, he was a devout Muslim who condemned atheism and communism, emphasizing the importance of morality in society.

However, Atsız's relationship with Islam evolved over time. He later criticized the religion, describing it as one created by Arabs for Arabs, yet he maintained that Islam was the national religion of the Turks. He advocated for its respect and viewed religion as an essential component of national identity. His critiques extended to Kemalism, particularly regarding its impact on religious Turks.

Despite his complex views on religion, Atsız expressed admiration for the poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who championed Islamism, calling it the national ideal of the Ottoman Turks. Upon his passing, Atsız was honored with a religious ceremony at a mosque, where funeral prayers were performed, reflecting the intricate relationship he had with his faith.