Makbule Atadan, Turkish lawyer and politician (b. 1885)

Makbule Atadan (1885 – 18 January 1956) holds a significant place in Turkish history, primarily recognized as the only surviving sister of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the revered founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. Her life trajectory mirrored key historical shifts in the late Ottoman Empire and the nascent Turkish Republic.

Born in 1885 in Thessaloniki, then a vital port city within the sprawling Ottoman Empire, Makbule Atadan spent her formative years in a multicultural urban environment that also shaped her illustrious brother, Mustafa Kemal. While her other four siblings tragically passed away at very early ages, she was the sole one to survive into adulthood, forging a unique bond with Atatürk. Following the tumultuous Balkan Wars (1912-1913), which drastically altered the geopolitical landscape and led to the loss of vast Ottoman territories in the Balkans, she, along with her mother Zübeyde Hanım, relocated to Istanbul, the imperial capital. This move marked a significant shift from their long-standing ancestral home.

With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and her brother Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s ascension to the presidency, Makbule Atadan moved to the new capital city, Ankara. This relocation, initiated by Atatürk, underscored the close familial bond and her central place within the nascent republic’s inner circle. A notable aspect of her life in Ankara was her residence at the Çamlı Köşk (literally, the Glass Pavilion), a specially constructed villa. Built in 1936 within the expansive and secure gardens of the Presidential Çankaya Palace, this bespoke residence provided her with comfort and proximity to her brother, reflecting his personal care and attention towards his last remaining sibling.

In 1930, Makbule Atadan made a notable, albeit brief, entry into the political arena. She joined the newly formed "Serbest Cumhuriyet Fırkası" (Free Republican Party), established by Fethi Okyar, a close associate and former Prime Minister under Atatürk. This party was a pivotal experiment by Atatürk to introduce a multi-party democratic system in Turkey, aiming to gauge public opinion and stimulate political discourse after a period of single-party rule by the Republican People's Party (Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi). However, her political involvement proved short-lived. The Free Republican Party, intended as a loyal opposition, quickly garnered widespread anti-government sentiment and faced accusations of becoming a platform for reactionary elements and opponents of Atatürk's reforms. Consequently, Fethi Okyar himself made the decision to dissolve the party just a few months after its inception, effectively ending Makbule Atadan's brief political career.

In 1935, Makbule Atadan married Mecdi Boysan, a distinguished member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, further connecting her to the political elite of the new republic. A significant contribution to Turkish historical understanding came in 1952 with the publication of her memoirs, titled "Büyük Kardeşim Atatürk" (Atatürk, My Brother). This invaluable book offers a unique, intimate perspective on her illustrious brother, providing personal anecdotes and insights into his character and life from a familial standpoint, which are otherwise unavailable from such a close source.

Makbule Atadan passed away on 18 January 1956 in Ankara at the age of 71. Her final resting place is the Cebeci Asri cemetery in Ankara, where she is interred alongside other prominent figures of the Republic, marking the end of a life intricately tied to the foundational years of modern Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Makbule Atadan

Who was Makbule Atadan?

Makbule Atadan was the only surviving sister of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. She is a significant figure in the country's early Republican history.

Where was Makbule Atadan born?

She was born in 1885 in Thessaloniki, which was then a crucial port city within the Ottoman Empire.

What was the Çamlı Köşk?

The Çamlı Köşk, also known as the "Glass Pavilion," was a special villa constructed for Makbule Atadan in 1936 within the gardens of the Presidential Çankaya Palace in Ankara, symbolizing her brother Atatürk's personal care for her.

Did Makbule Atadan participate in politics?

Yes, she had a brief political involvement in 1930 when she joined the experimental opposition party, the Free Republican Party (Serbest Cumhuriyet Fırkası). However, her political career ended within months when the party was dissolved by its founder.

What was the name of Makbule Atadan's book?

She published her memoirs about her brother in 1952, titled "Büyük Kardeşim Atatürk" (Atatürk, My Brother), offering unique personal insights into his life.