Η χαρισματική ηγεσία του Μουσταφά Κεμάλ στη μάχη του Σαγγαρίου

Abstract

The study of charismatic personalities is done in order to identify the elements that give them their particular dynamics. A charismatic leader appears in marginal seasons, in which a political, social, economic or even a gap in consciousness is created. The leader must recognize this gap in order to redeem his people. Kemal presents most of the characteristics of charismatic leadership’s ideal. His decisions during the War of Independence (Kurtuluş Savaşı) and especially in the battle of Sakarya made many people to consider him immortal. The evacuation of Eski Sehir in July 1921 was agonizing. Kemal predicted correctly that the retreat to the East of Sakarya was the only solution. The Greeks, being convinced of their superiority, were planning to occupy Ankara. Predicting an attack from the left side, Kemal relied on the geographical advantage of his position and designed the defense. On August 23th, the Greek attack began and the two sides threw all their forces into the battle. The Greeks broke the defensive line in many places, but the Turks immediately created new ones while carrying out counterattacks. On September 13th, the Greek army retreated and the two camps had lost one-fifth of their power. As an honor, the National Assembly called Kemal “Winner” (Gazi); his capital had been saved.