Turkey commemorates 70th anniversary of Ataturk's death

Turkey on Monday commemorated the 70th anniversary of the passing of its founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in solemn ceremonies around the country.

Reforms and revolutions, implemented following the proclamation of the republic under the leadership of Ataturk, laidthe foundations of a democratic, modern, independent and prosperous Turkey and kicked off a great transition and modernization process," the report quoted Turkish President Abdullah Gul as saying.

On Nov. 10, 1938, Ataturk died of liver disease in Dolmabahce Palace in the largest Turkish city of Istanbul. His body was first taken to a temporary resting place at the Ethnography Museum in Ankara and was interred on Nov. 10, 1953 after his mausoleum was completed.