Visiting Ataturk’s ‘Restroom’ and Reflecting on His Legacy

Turkey's founding leader is still an inspiring, remarkable global figure

I asked a student what I should see in Ankara. He said, “You must visit Ataturk’s restroom.”

In mock horror, I replied, “You just suggested I visit Ataturk’s toilet!”

We both got a big laugh out of that. But upon my visit to Ankara, I understood why he recommended that I visit the mausoleum or final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the …