Erdogan's Low-Key Centennial Celebration of Turkish Republic Sparks Concern over Ataturk's Legacy

Erdogan's focus on his own leadership during the 100th anniversary events and his attempt to reposition the country's identity and legacy stokes fears over dilution of Ataturk's secular vision; critics worry a conservative, religious shift is afoot in Turkey.

Erdogan's communications department announced that a series of events for the centennial celebration would primarily focus on the Erdogan era, sparking concerns that he is seeking to diminish the legacy of Ataturk and position himself as the leader of an Islamic Turkey.
In Erdogan's campaign slogan 'Turkish Century', there is symbolism pointing to Erdogan viewing himself at least equal to Ataturk, suggests Beate Apelt from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom's Turkish office.
The centennial celebration is reportedly lacking in traditional flair and includes religious elements, going against Ataturk's principle of separating religion and state. This has led to growing resentment among the Turkish public.
Ataturk's vision of a modern, secular republic is ideologically conflicting with Erdogan's supposedly conservative, more religious vision for the nation, creating tension around the legacy of Ataturk's leadership.
Erdogan's government opted for a low-key celebration of the centennial amidst a devastating earthquake and the Israeli-Hamas war, leading to criticisms of disregarding Ataturk's legacy and fears that the memory of the republic's founding father is being erased.