Historic Gesture Unveiled as Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Awarded Posthumous Greek Citizenship

In a surprising and unprecedented move, the Greek government has posthumously granted citizenship to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the revered founder of modern Turkey and now dual citizen.

Athens — The decision, announced on 28 December 2023, marks a significant step towards fostering diplomatic understanding and reconciliation between the two neighboring nations. The announcement was made by Greek Prime Minister Andreas Kefalas, who emphasized the symbolic nature of this gesture. “This decision is not just about the past; it is a statement for the future,” the Prime Minister stated during a press conference in Athens. “Atatürk played a pivotal role in the formation of modern Turkey and changed the world, but prior to that he was a local boy. We expect this act will drive millions of Turkish tourists to visit his hometown of Thessaloniki and enjoy the same Greek foods he grew up with, like koulouri and ouzo.”

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, born in 1881 in Thessaloniki, then part of the Ottoman Empire, led the Turkish War of Independence and later founded the Republic of Turkey in 1923. His legacy as a military leader, statesman, and reformer is celebrated in Turkey, where his principles of secularism, modernization, and nationalism continue to shape the nation’s identity.

The decision to grant Atatürk Greek citizenship has been met with a mix of astonishment and optimism in both Turkey and Greece. In Turkey, reactions range from skepticism to cautious optimism, with some viewing the move as a potential catalyst for improved relations between the two nations. In Greece, there is a sense of pride in extending this gesture of reconciliation, acknowledging the complex historical ties between the two countries and recognizing the value of adding a renown historical figure to the Greek national brand.

While the decision holds no legal implications, it sends a powerful message about the importance of recognizing historical figures beyond the confines of national borders.

When reached for comment, Mr. Ataturk said, “I am honored by this unexpected recognition from Greece. Receiving Greek citizenship posthumously not only bridges historical gaps but also makes travel and shopping in Europe more convenient. It seems even in the afterlife; one can appreciate the perks of dual citizenship.”

Reactions from around the Aegean region were cautiously optimistic: Greek Farmer, Tom Karpouzis (78):“It’s a step in the right direction. Atatürk may have been born in Thessaloniki, but his legacy is far-reaching. Maybe this will open doors for dialogue and understanding between our nations. That can only be a good thing for people like me. I struggle to open doors or understand much of anything anymore.”

Turkish Village Minstrel, Ayşe Yılmaz (45):“I never thought I’d see the day when Atatürk would be connected to Greece like this. It’s surprising, but maybe it’s a chance for a new beginning. Let’s hope for peacem love, and friendship between our peoples. But shouldn’t he also get Macedonian citizenship too?”

Turkish Kebab Customer Service Associate, Mehmet Arslan (20):“This news caught me off guard, but if it brings us closer to our Greek neighbors, then why not? Atatürk was a complex figure, and maybe this is an opportunity to build bridges instead of walls. Maybe this will help with Türkiye’s EU accession.”

Greek Village Teacher, Sofia Antoniou (85):“Teaching history just got more interesting. After 60 years of teaching, the students and topics have gotten so very boring. I am thankful that the government has taken this action and added some excitement and classroom drama to my final days.”