M. Kemal Atatürk laid the foundations of a truly modern Turkey, a democratic, republican and independent state based on national sovereignty. Although these ideas originated from him and were paramount in the foundation of the new state they remain today an integral part of the republican government of our country. The foundation stone, or perhaps even the very soul of Atatürk's spiritual and intellectual philosophy, was the thought of universal peace and although the biggest part of his life was taken up by war to defend his country, he always considered it a crime. According to Atatürk war can only be just or justified if it is fought out of sheer necessity or for reasons of national defence, or pursued by a people awaiting their sovereignty, their very lives depending on it.To live freely and be independent is both a holy right of the individual and of the nation, this right being stronger than power itself.