Atatürkist Thought Association

The recent practice of people who bear a physical resemblance to modern Türkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk attending national holidays and commemorative events and collecting money has caused outrage in society, with some legal experts expressing dissatisfaction with the current law aimed at protecting the memory of the leader.

A researcher has shared colorful footage of the ceremony in which the body of modern Türkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was transferred from the Ethnography Museum to Anıtkabir in 1953, 15 years after his death.

The Interior Ministry and the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office have separately launched investigations over a tweet shared on the social media account of the Atatürkist Thought Association that allegedly praised the May 27, 1960 coup d'etat. 

A group of artists and non-governmental organizations have signed a petition against the constitutional amendment package, which is being backed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). 

Among the signatories are the Atatürkist Thought Association, Chamber of Architects and renowned artist Bedri Baykam.