Jews under Atatürk (1923-1938)
Sam Aronow
The video explores the experiences of Jews in Turkey during Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's rule from 1923 to 1938. While Atatürk implemented secular reforms that theoretically promoted equal citizenship, Jews in Turkey faced challenges, such as the push for Turkification, which often marginalized minority communities. This period was marked by strained Jewish-Muslim relations, efforts to suppress the Ladino language, and incidents like the Thracian Pogrom, which threatened Jewish safety and identity. Despite some positive aspects, including the exoneration of Jews from disloyalty charges, the reality for many Turkish Jews was one of cultural pressure and antisemitism.