Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is considered the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Revered as a hero, he served as its first president, establishing a secular and modern nation. ‘Ataturk’ translates as ‘Father of the Turks’, a title he was given when surnames were introduced to Turkey in 1935.
The handsome, chiselled image of Mustafa can be seen everywhere. There are statues…
…billboards…
….and flags.
The other day I even saw a couple of Mustafa Ataturk bumper stickers. Which got me thinking: what if patriotic Aussies could have bumper stickers of their favourite giant of Australian politics, instead of just the southern cross and Ned Kelly? Maybe Sir Henry Parkes, the ‘Founder of Federation’.
Another logical choice would be our first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton.
Perhaps something more modern? The hugely charismatic John Howard was Australian Prime Minister for nearly twelve years, so clearly many Australians thought he was ‘The Man’.
Or maybe Bob Hawke’s more your kind of bloke.
And who can forget the self-professed ‘Mother of the Nation’?
So come on all you proud Australians, follow the Turkish lead and slap on some bumper stickers to honour your national heroes.
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