Atatürk's Life Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the founder and the first President of the Republic of Turkey.Atatürk was born in 1881 in Salonica.His mother's name was Zübeyde Hanım.His father's name was Ali Rıza Efendi.His father died when Mustafa Kemal started primary school.Mustafa and his mother went to live with his uncle.He started to work on the farm.Finally he went to Salonica.He entered Military Middle School.After finishing the Military Middle School, he entered the Military High School.Mustafa Kemal went to the General Staff College.After finishing the Collage he started the Military Academy.He graduated from the Academy in 1905.He had victories and became a national hero.On May 19, 1919 he arrived in Samsun and started the Independence War.On April 23, 1920 he opened the Turkish Grand National Assembly.During his lifetime, he adopted thirteen children.He died on November 10, 1938.