Çankaya (Book)

Çankaya, written by Falih Rıfkı Atay, is a work of political memoir with significant historical value. It recounts the life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—the founder of the Republic of Türkiye—and the Turkish War of Independence through the lens of a journalist, comrade, and direct observer. The book not only portrays Atatürk’s personality and leadership but also documents the foundational phases of the Republic, based on first-hand accounts. The title Çankaya refers to the presidential residence where Atatürk spent his final years, offering an insider’s view into Republican history.

Content and Themes

The narrative spans from 1908, with particular focus on the years 1919–1938. From Atatürk’s involvement in the Italo-Turkish and Gallipoli Wars to the War of Independence, from the abolition of the sultanate to the sweeping reforms, the book details these developments through the author's direct experiences.

Key themes include:

• Behind the scenes of the National Struggle
• Atatürk’s private and political life
• The foundation of the Republic
• Justifications and consequences of the reforms
• Leadership, vision, and state-building

The book presents not only historical events but also explores the key figures of the period, political rivalries, foreign relations, and Atatürk’s personal traits.

Style and Narrative Technique

Falih Rıfkı Atay’s style balances journalistic rigor with a semi-literary historical approach. The language is clear, fluent, and informative. Descriptions are rich in detail, and historical events are conveyed not only chronologically but also with emotional and political depth.

Narrative features include:

• Autobiographical historical account based on eyewitness testimony
• Clear and fluent prose
• Analytical insights into the inner workings of events
• A narrative supported by documents and anecdotes

The author doesn’t merely list events; he analyzes their underlying dynamics and broader implications.

Historical Figures (Characters)

• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: The central figure of the book. His leadership, strategic genius, public image, approach to reforms, and personal attributes are all presented in a multidimensional manner.
• Falih Rıfkı Atay: The author, narrator, and witness. He offers both insider observations and critical reflections.
• Other significant military and political figures of the time, such as İsmet İnönü, Fevzi Çakmak, and Kazım Karabekir, are prominently featured.
• Figures from the post-Committee of Union and Progress political elite, including Ali Fuat Cebesoy, Rauf Orbay, and Refet Bele, also appear throughout the narrative.

Intellectual Context

Çankaya provides an insider’s perspective on Türkiye's modernization and the political stance of the ruling elite during the Republic’s formative years. Unlike traditional history books, it is grounded in “lived experience” and personal testimony, giving it a distinct value.

Atatürk’s charismatic leadership, his relations with the public, decision-making processes, vulnerabilities, achievements, and interactions with his inner circle are presented in an objective yet respectful tone.

The work also sheds indirect light on broader issues such as the objectivity of historiography in Türkiye, the cult of leadership, civil-military relations, and the disconnect between the state and the people.