Secular God
Secular, pertaining to the present world,
to things not spiritual or ecclesiastical,
earthly life, a particular time, temporal,
lasting, occurring in and accomplished
within a century, such a very short time!
Atatürk. Legendary Atatürk.
Source silhouette sustaining; noble wonder.
Atatürk legitimately stood stallion.
Among histories legendary; as a great leader.
Yet if Atatürk. In reality
was embodied God!
The Turkish Nation
Statue Worships States!
Why did he often drink alone?
Day through narcotic night!
Fallen to such a common fate?
Because a man for all that!
Feats required as resolute
Nation-Maker!
Are in themselves in truth
emphasis enough!
Without serving up sermon
ritualistic Godhead halo!
Upon embellished silver
sanctification sanctimonious plate!
Hail Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
a General a Turkish army officer,
a revolutionary statesman a writer,
founder of modern Republic of Turkey
first president of fledgling eagle country
enduring defeating sea aggressive invasions!
Ottoman Empire assaulted on all frontiers
Atatürk led Turkish national movement
throughout Turkish War of Independence!
Established provisional government in Ankara,
defeated all forces sent by invading Allies!
Atatürk’s successful military campaigns
led to liberation creation of new found country
to proud establishment of modern Turkey!
In memory in a grateful nation
Atatürk’s statutes statutes must stand tall!
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stands
a towering figure of the 20th Century!
“Among the great leaders of history,
few have achieved so much in so short period,
transformed the life of a nation as decisively, ...
given such profound inspiration to the world at large.”
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Related quotes
Statue’s Source
Ataturk was wonderful.
Ataturk was great.
Yet if Ataturk
was so wonderful?
Why did he drink raki
every night so late?
If he had been a
Winston Churchill?
He might have partaken
of brandy and cigars?
Copyright © Terence George Craddock
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938) was a soldier, statesman, reformer, founder and first president (1923-1938) of the Republic of Turkey. He was given the name Ataturk (‘Father of Turks’) by the National Assembly in 1934.
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Nationalistic Catastrophe Inequitable? No!
In New Zealand – (developing)
potential equals people
proven source sowing
shared future prosperity?
In Turkey rapidly
expanding masses
within relatively
limited land mass.
Is financially
exploited force separatist formalization;
shorn sociologically
suppressed resource regional degeneration?
Environmental economic republic ruination
potentially nationalistic splintered annihilation?
Nationalism to ensure
continued engendered capitalistic sodality;
maintains status-quo elite
puppeting manipulated republic reality?
Atatürk was wise enough to know
that political economic and cultural reforms;
an Age of Enlightenment was required
to transform the Ottoman Empire...
into a modern secular nation-state. Kemalism!
Atatürk’s radical reforms inspirationally
guided a fledgling nation with educational;
and scientific progress fusing enlightenment
positivism rationalism realism pragmatism
and secularism into a constitution sacrosanct.
Without pause without transition, the progressive
unfolding, the implementation of Kemalism; the
active modification of Turkish society; adapting
Western institutions with Turkish traits patterns,
to make them, indelibly a part of Turkish culture!
Generations of cultural and social experience, the
collective vibrant memory, of the Turkish nation!
Atatürk’s blessed social and political vision are
sacrosanct; must remain irreversible; indelibly
etched; into the Republic’s nationalistic freedom!
Kemalism decrees that in the Republic of Turkey;
all laws should be inspired by the actual needs;
of citizens; here on Earth; as a basis of national life!
Of all Atatürk’s wise sayings I still love best;
his concept ‘Peace at Home Peace in the World! ’
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Science is the only true guide in life.
quote by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (22 September 1924)
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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A nation which makes the final sacrifice for life and freedom does not get beaten.
quote by Kemal Ataturk
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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A nation devoid of art and artists cannot have a full existence.
quote by Kemal Ataturk
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Freedom and indedendence form my character.
quote by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (24 April 1921)
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Our Liberation War
the chief commandant
mustafa kemal ataturk
uproared
on his horse upright
rearing
armies
do not stop
go ahead
your mission is on top
your first target
the mediterrenean sea
the aegen too
atter the last
chief commandant hood
field battle
dumlupı nar
the 30th august 1922
greek left
many dead
behind
exhausted
bewildered
and retreated
killing women and children
and burning the oxen
our armies did not stop
followed the enemy
pursuı ng
on foot
some on horse back
the cavalry was the swiftest
the trains were whistling
strangely and prosperously
and happily
a little bit strangely
the people applauding
our soldiers
the enemy was swept to the aegen
in seven days
erected our flag in smryna
to izmir
our reign assembly
escaped in haste
with the english ships
what a betrayel limits
from there homeland
to england
those were hard days
great dayus
severe days
no turc must forget
our republic days were being emerged
atter the harsh field battle ended
chief commandant ataturk
looking at the dead greek soldier
lyı ng on the ground
and murmuring to himself asked
why did you leave your country
in your youth,
who persuaded and told you
to invade our country
sorry this is our homeland
we are supposed to defend
you have come as an enemy
not a guest
what a pity
for you for us
and for the history
but the fault is not ours
it is our enemies'
we find in our noble blood
the needed strengh
even if the world is against us
really
our has to live forever and eternally
our history writes it so
it was 87 years ago
ataturk has delivered
this mission
to turkish youth too
even now still
we have no doubt
to acomplish though
poem by Metin Sahin
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Ataturk sent several Turkish staff officers to Afghanistan, helped them build their own army.
quote by Bulent Ecevit
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Sovereignty is not given, it is taken.
quote by Kemal Ataturk
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Justice is the infrastructure of proprietorship.
quote by Kemal Ataturk
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Nationalistic Catastrophe International? No!
“In New Zealand potential equals people
proven source of future prosperity.
In Turkey rapidly expanding masses
within relatively limited (cityscape) land mass.”
Is political polar fractions force
of possible social degeneration.
Environmental and economic ruination
and potentially nationalistic annihilation.
Borders bound by troubled nations
potent potential threat dividing within.
Terrorist independence Islamic militant
Tear politically at hearts exposed neck.
Eurasian country Anatolian peninsula
in Western Asia Eastern Thrace
southeastern Europe bordering eight countries:
Iraq and Syria to the southeast.
Armenia Azerbaijan (the enclave
of Nakhchivan) and Iran to the east.
Bulgaria to the northwest;
Greece to the west;
Georgia to the northeast.
The Aegean Sea to the west;
The Black Sea is to the north.
The Mediterranean Sea
and Cyprus are to the south.
The Sea of Marmara the Bosphorus
the Dardanelles the Turkish Straits
demarcate the boundary between
Eastern Thrace and ancient Anatolia.
Türkiye regional power of wisdom
continue to guard your borders
with Turkic pride military muscle
stability in troubled region; heritage
of Atatürk leaves huge wise footsteps
PPK issues Atatürk would resolve.
New Zealand bordered by sea
an ocean of separation shares
none no such problems but our
blood mixed with your blood
at Anzac Cove on Chunuk Bair
heroes fell on both sides upon
Turkic soil in the bosom of battle
let your people now rest in legacy
of Atatürk’s peace; I lost not my life
but my heart; in four years among
Turks; blessed peace be upon you all.
poem by Terence George Craddock
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The Philosophy Of Kemalism
True wisdom embraces
the knowledge
that no singular mortal man
alone without the eureka
insights of God
given moments can foresee
past all the fortuitous
opportunities
arising kaleidoscopic
decisions repercussions
reverberate
through lives individual
effecting families nations
when people of power
impose their mighty will.
Therefore rejoice Türkiye
elected power is constitutionally
given to your voting people
this is a vision legacy given
by great father of a Turkish nation
blessing generations unborn
enlightenment positivism rationalism
realism pragmatism and secularism
imparted into a constitution sacrosanct.
This is the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
a philosophy of peace prosperity for all
a philosophy to inspire all future generations
a philosophy that should inspire
an entire world lacking refined wisdom
alas world rejects Turkic inspired wisdom.
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Cornerstones
Gibran left an Empire decaying
in ashes of former greatness.
Who will come as phoenix to nation
reborn, growing steadily in strength?
Moulding itself in virtue’s light
seeking crystal rays of clear vision.
Must many bring cornerstones together
for construction of a monument’s making?
Master builder cannot build
on gigantean scale alone.
To build an edifice to mankind
takes co-operative efforts of many hands.
How is it O Lebanon! Splinter cast free
of encroaching empires’ dominance
that war has come to tear your heart?
From heaven’s height O Beirut
do tears fall of Gibran’s weeping.
In your streets do your children die emasculated
stricken with hunger’s pain, diseases’ clawing hand.
Though exiled by masters of a former empire
Gibran never left you O Lebanon.
His body was ever cloaked with garment
of your ways his heart, ever full
with a father’s love O Lebanon.
Where are his sons Oh country of his love?
To comfort children of that love in need.
To stay bloody hand tearing a noble heart,
to lead toward prosperity and rejoicing.
Where O Lebanon! And where is promise?
Vision his awakened dream foretold overflowing.
Come new nations
of Empires ancient origin
as stranger walking streets
beyond antiquated walls.
Crushing inwards
are confining
mounds of rubble.
Future cities
have outgrown
their necessity.
In mosque and bazaar also pass
heralded, shadow of new age.
Paying homage to belief to tradition
which is upheld in all found good.
But swift and mighty be axe
to cut out cleanly,
creeping rotting wood.
For a strong nation
facing a demanding age;
Cannot stand
on weak foundations
time’s undermined.
Like prophets chosen of Allah
calming waves
of an encroaching hungry sea
are those enlightened
hearing the stirring of a coming voice.
When will you hear O Lebanon?
When will you gather fruit
prepared of your prophet?
Gladly eat of love’s gift
to lighten centuries’ burden?
Are not all races of man
starving simultaneously as one?
But then children
yours was a political
Lebanon’s problems.
His was Lebanon
of natural beauty.
Shrouds of ash and smoke burn
like funeral fires.
Hide face of the moon.
May wisdom’s seed blossom
in the garden of your soul.
Khalil Gibran was born in the Christian Maronite town of Bsharri in Lebanon, then part of the Ottoman Empire in decline, the remnant of which became the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Generals like Kazim Karabekir and Mustafa Kamel; who became Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Gibran’s mother was the daughter of a Maronite priest and priests taught Gibran about the Bible, and Arabic and Syriac languages. Maronite Christian’s spoke a dialect of Aramic and Christian Aramaic is still the liturgical language of the Maronite Church. Gibran returned to his homeland, at age fifteen, to study at a Maronite institute in Beirut. Gibran supported Arabic as a national language for Syria and wrote the famous poem ‘Pity The Nation’.
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Centennial
Come all ye friends of Liberty,
Who love our good old nation,
Let hands and hearts united be,
And beat the wide creation.
For this is our Centennial year,
The birthday of our nation;
For it is just one hundred years
That's stood our good old nation.
CHORUS:
Centennial! Centennial!
Hurrah to the Centennial;
And many, many people gone
To our national Centennial.
To Philadelphia people went,
And more was sure to go, sir;
They say there was things to be seen
Of a hundred years ago, sir.
Come all ye sons of liberty,
That love our good old nation,
Unite and keep our country free,
And the stars and stripes a waving.
The revolutionary war was fought
To gain our independence,
That we a nation great may be,
Both free and independent.
They fought the British, far and near,
For freedom, and they gained it --
In Centennial years of Jubilee,
Let Columbia's sons maintain it.
poem by Julia A Moore
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We must restore the soul of America. Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses. It is time for our better angels to prevail. Tonight, the whole world is watching America. I believe at our best America is a beacon for the globe. And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.... Now, together — on eagle's wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do. With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country — and a thirst for justice — let us be the nation that we know we can be. A nation united. A nation strengthened. A nation healed. The United States of America.
quote by Joe Biden
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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America s Strength (series #2)
As a youngster I began to wonder “ how this great nation came to be”.
People from all over the world looking for a new life to escape tyranny.
This became AMERICAS history.
Then we had our civil war and we fought as state to state.
We all became UNITED and that made this nation great.
So we put the two together and the UNITED STATES was formed.
Little did we know- that this would be the “ norm”.
Look around you, and you will see
Every ethnic group, that’s how we came to be.
AMERICA is not just a country, but a land
Where the bell of freedom rings
And from every country, its people it will bring.
AMERICA is a dream- a vision, a quest- if you must
But in this great nation we put all our trust.
So give us your humble, your poor, your weak
If freedom is what they seek.
This is what made this nation, and gave dreams to all mankind
For we will fight for this country, our lives we’ll put on the line.
We will get stronger, and you will weaken and die
For you can not break our spirit, no matter how you try.
“ now many will say I’m a dreamer”
But that’s how this world came to be
Every small dream has become a reality.
We wanted to hide the pictures and videos
From our children of what you had done.
Because we had felt that they was much to young.
Now we’ve decided to teach and show them about
This cowardly act, and to give them knowledge
And show them all the facts.
poem by Louis Rams
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Thanksgiving
The man who stands above the bird, his knife
Sharp as a Turkish scimitar, first removes
A thigh and leg, half the support
On which the turkey used to stand. This
Leg and thigh he sets on an extra
Plate. All his weight now on
One leg, he lunges for the wing, the wing
On the same side of the bird from which
He has just removed the leg and thigh.
He frees the wing enough to expose
The breast, the wing not severed but
Collapsed down to the platter. One hand
Holding the fork, piercing the turkey
Anywhere, he now beings to slice the breast,
Afflicted by small pains in his chest,
A kind of heartburn for which there is no
Cure. He serves the hostess breast, her
Own breast rising and falling. And so on,
Till all the guests are served, the turkey
Now a wreck, the carver exhausted, a
Mere carcass of his former self. Everyone
Says thanks to the turkey carver and begins
To eat, thankful for the cold turkey
And the Republic for which it stands.
poem by Mac Hammond
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Armenia, Armenia
After the great flood Noah’s ark landed
on Mount Ararat, says the Bible.
Nowadays, the snow-capped summit
of the mountain soars over Yerevan.
Although the dormant volcanic cone
of Ararat lies south of the border,
in Turkish Anatolia,
the view of the mountain dominates
the skyline of the Armenian capital.
Most of the territory
that was once part of historic Armenia
belongs to Turkey today.
Under the yoke of the Muslim Ottomans,
the aspirations of the Christian Armenians
to obtain autonomy clashed
with the dreams of their rulers
to establish a pan-Turkish Empire.
In the 19th century the government
of the crumbling Ottoman Empire
started a campaign to wipe out
the Armenian population.
It perpetrated a genocide,
which reached its peak
during the First World War.
In 1908 an extremist wing
of the Union and Progress Party,
the Young Turks, came to power
in the Ottoman Empire.
They rejected demands for ethnic autonomy
and launched a systematic state organized attack
on the Armenian community.
It began on April 24,1915,
when the Ottoman authorities arrested
some 250 Armenian leaders in Istanbul
and murdered them.
Then armed Turks began uprooting men,
women and children from their homes.
Rape and murder became a commonplace.
Depriving them food and water, Turkish squads
forced Armenian communities to march
through the deserts of Syria where they died
of dehydration, starvation and exhaustion.
Hundreds of eyewitnesses
from all over the world recorded
and documented state-supported massacres.
In 1915, for example, Leslie Davis,
the American consul in Kharput, reported
that 10,000 bodies of murdered Armenians
had been discovered near Lake Göeljuk.
In the same year Giacomo Gorrini,
the Italian consul in Trabzon, testified:
“I saw thousands of innocent women
and children placed on boats,
which were capsized in the Black Sea”.
Armenians call the mass slaughter
of their people Metz Yeghérn, the calamity.
Historians estimate the number of those
who lost their lives
in the great Armenian tragedy at 1.5 million.
The government of Turkey, however,
refuses to admit that a state organized genocide
took place.
In the fall of 2001 Pope John Paul II
paid a visit to the former Soviet Republic
of Armenia. He laid a rose at the eternal flame
in the memorial of Yerevan
and prayed for the victims:
The lament that rises from this place,
The call of the dead from the depth of Metz Yeghérn,
The cry of innocent blood
That pleads like the blood of Abel,
Like Rachel weeping for her children
Because they are no more.
poem by Paul Hartal
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One of the great strengths of the United States is... we have a very large Christian population - we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.
quote by Barack Obama
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Jingoism
Be not jingoistic
and say 'No' to the calls
of to religion and race.
Be patriotic to your nation
to stand by the poor
and book the criminals.
Love your nation
for its war against
illiteracy and poverty.
Love your nation
for its unceasing efforts
to extract work from the youths.
Love your nation
for not encroaching
and enslaving the neighbours.
Love your nation
for her indigenuous efforts
to reach the peak in health-care.
Love your nation
for being secular
and respect all cults and tongues.
Love your nation
for being a model
to other nations in this world.
poem by Rajendran Muthiah
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