Today in History – 27 November

The photograph of İnönü on banknotes and stamps

As the report prepared by the Constitutional Committee on whether the new banknote should carry İnönü’s solo portrait or alongside that of the late Atatürk was being deliberated at the Grand National Assembly, İçel Deputy Refik Koraltan, who would later become one of the cofounders of the Democrat Party, made the following comments:

The names of Atatürk and İnönü will not be recalled merely as the presidents of a state, but live on symbolically, as national heroes. Who would have imagined that a separation of the two would be brought to fore when discussing such issues. If such an idea crosses our minds, we will lose our minds; I say that on behalf of all of you who understand the sanctity of the reforms.

Kemal Atatürk and İnönü will forever remain national heroes in the history of this nation’s foundation and salvation and live on as such. Their names are not merely engraved on metal or stone that will rot away in time, but in the heart of this nation. Forever and everywhere, that is how it will be in any period of history. These glorious and eternal men remain in the hearts of the people.

İnönü had a more rational view on replacing Atatürk’s portrait with his on banknotes and stamps vis-à-vis Koraltan’s laudatory yet inconsequential remarks:

Atatürk was dead. The leader was gone. Yet, his place would not remain empty. I am very close to him; however, as İsmet İnönü, who carries him in my heart, I must declare my leadership. Although I cherish his memory with utmost respect, I cannot be a leader in his shadow… Atatürk is on the banknotes, but he is no longer there… What I wanted to say was that Atatürk is dead but his place is not empty.