The modern Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal (later Ataturk) from a portion of the Ottoman Empire, following the empire’s collapse as a result of World War I (1914-1918). Mustafa Ataturk is revered throughout Turkey. It is his teachings and philosophies that guide modern Turkey. At the birth of the country in 1923, less than 10% of the population was literate. Now that rate is 82%. School is mandatory for children for 5 years. Unfortunately, in 1995, only 63% of children were enrolled in secondary school (middle/high school). Ataturk taught the people to be kind, honest, and hard working.Â
