The Effects of Ancient History Books on Atatürk’s Nation Building Perception

At present, various information and knowledge can be obtained easily and intensely. Social sciences are necessary for humanity as much as natural and technological sciences. Rapid developments and changes occur day by day on information and knowledge. Social sciences still continues to shed lights on past and present time. Past experiences directed/directs individuals as well as states. Almost a century ago, even before the Turkish Republic was proclaimed, Mustafa Kemal gathered necessary information and decided on his future republic’s formative ideas and perceptions. A new state had to have new modern institutions and open to new ideas whether originated of modern times or experienced of the previous ages. Mustafa Kemal read a number of books in social sciences which affected his perception and ideas. This article discusses on Mustafa Kemal’s selected books on ancient history which were reflected on his speeches and nation building processes.