Atatürk’ün Son Yılları ve Ölümü

Atatürk's first sign of illness appeared in 1937. While he was in Yalova in early 1938, he became seriously ill. The treatment gave positive results. However, his tiring journey to Ankara before he fully recovered caused his illness to worsen. The fact that the Hatay issue was on the agenda at that time also made him tired. Even though he was sick, he went on a trip to Mersin and Adana. Ataturk, who inspected our military units and had them drilled under the hot sun, was very tired. He disregarded his own health for the sake of his national cause. Travel to the south caused his illness to increase. After returning to Ankara on May 26, he went to Istanbul for treatment and rest. By doctors, was diagnosed with cirrhosis disease.

Since the sea air was good, he rested for a while on the Savarona Yacht. Even in this case he continued to deal with the problems of the country. He met with the Romanian king who came to Istanbul. He chaired the Council of Ministers meeting. The entry into force of the Treaty of Hatay on July 4, 1938 made Atatürk very happy and lifted his morale. Atatürk, who stayed in Savarona until the end of July, was transferred to Dolmabahçe Palace when his illness got worse. But his disease was progressing steadily. The Turkish people, who heard about his illness, followed the news about his health with excitement and wished him to recover with all their heart. Realizing the seriousness of his illness, he wrote his will on September 5, 1938 and donated most of his fortune to Turkish History and Turkish Language institutions. In mid-October the situation was as smooth. However, although he wanted to, he could not come to Ankara and attend the fifteenth anniversary ceremonies of the republic.

The message he sent to the heroic Turkish Army on October 29, 1938 was read by Prime Minister Celâl Bayar. “The heroic Turkish army, whose victories and history begin with the history of humanity, always carrying the light of civilization along with victories!” He stated the importance of the Turkish Army with his words. In the same message, he said, "I and our great nation have full faith and confidence in the Turkish Army that it is ready and ready to perform its duty at any time, which consists of protecting the glory and honor of the Turkish homeland and the Turkish community against all kinds of internal and external dangers." expressed his confidence.

Atatürk could not be present at the opening ceremony of the Turkish Grand National Assembly on November 1, 1938. Prime Minister Celâl Bayar read the opening speech he prepared. In this speech, Atatürk explained the activities regarding the country's reconstruction, health services and economy. He also touched on education and culture issues and stated that efforts are being made to develop Istanbul University, complete Ankara University and establish a university around Lake Van in order to raise the youth with national consciousness and modern culture. He expressed his satisfaction with the work of Turkish History and Turkish Language institutions. He also expressed his satisfaction with the implementation of the Physical Training Law to help Turkish youth reach their ideals in sports as well as in culture. Until his death, Atatürk was not away from the affairs of the country for even a moment.

Atatürk's illness became severe again. Reports about his health began to be published on November 8. A deep sadness covered the whole country again. Every Turk's heart was beating with the wish for his salvation. However, the efforts made to save him did not yield results and the fears came true. At five past nine in the morning of November 10, 1938, in Dolmabahçe Palace, the immutable law for man was implemented. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk passed away. With this bad news, not only the Turkish nation, but the whole world was in mourning. All states, big and small, sent representatives to attend his funeral and sent messages indicating their deep respect for the founder of the Republic of Turkey. On November 16, Atatürk's coffin was placed on a catafalque in the large ceremony hall of Dolmabahçe Palace.

For three days and three nights, a flood of tearful people expressed their respect, gratitude and devotion to their great leader. The funeral prayer was held on November 19 by Prof. It was performed by Şerafettin Yaltkaya. The coffin, which was carried to the outer gate of the palace on the shoulders of twelve generals, was put on the gun carriage and taken to Gülhane Park amid the tears of the people of Istanbul. From here it was transferred to the battleship Yavuz with a torpedo. The battleship Yavuz, accompanied by our navy and foreign ships that came to attend the ceremony, brought the body to Izmit off the coast of the Big Island. Here, the body was taken from the battleship Yavuz and put on a special train. It was moved to bring him to Ankara, leaving a deep sadness in the hearts of the people who gathered to pay their last respect to their ancestors.

The funeral, which was welcomed by İsmet İnönü, who was elected president upon Atatürk's death, the President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, ministers, the Chief of General Staff, members of parliament, the army and state dignitaries, was placed on a catafalque prepared in front of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The people of Ankara respectfully passed by his funeral and performed their last duty. A large ceremony was held on Monday, November 21, 1938, where civil and military administrators and representatives of foreign states were present and tens of thousands of people attended. Later, Atatürk's coffin was taken to the catafalque. He was placed in a temporary grave prepared in the Ethnography Museum. The Turkish nation later built a mausoleum worthy of this great man in Rasattepe, Ankara. Atatürk's body, taken from the Ethnography Museum on November 10, 1953, was brought to Anıtkabir. Here, he was placed in his eternal resting place prepared with homeland soil brought from every province of the country.