Controversial member of Atatürk Institute resigns

Hurriyet.com.tr

Prof. Mümtazer Türkone. Hürriyet photo

Prof. Mümtazer Türkone, a member of Atatürk Culture, Language and History Institution and a critic of Atatürkism, resigned from his post today. 

Türkone was appointed to his post by President Abdullah Gül in December.

Türkone's appointment had drawn criticism for his previous remarks against Atatürkism, which he defined as a "closed minded and bigoted" ideology. He had said he believed things done under guise of Atatürkism had nothing to do with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, and damaged his image. 

Türkone lastly had said he would consider it an insult to be called an Atatürkist.