10.11.2026 11:31
İlhan Güven, a 63-year-old construction master who does painting, roofing, and plumbing work in the Osmangazi district of Bursa, surprises those who see him with his resemblance to Atatürk. Güven, whose grandfathers came from Thessaloniki to Bursa during the Population Exchange period, said that people who see him become emotional and that children want to hug him and take photos with him, adding, "Resembling Atatürk in mind rather than in appearance is far more pride-inducing."
İlhan Güven (63), who lives in Bursa, attracts attention with his resemblance to Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Güven, who says that his grandfathers came from Thessaloniki to Bursa during the Population Exchange Period, said, "Because of my resemblance to Atatürk, I receive very nice reactions from the people around me. The fact that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is loved so much makes me proud."
GRANDSON OF THE FAMILY THAT CAME FROM THESSALONIKI
İlhan Güven, a construction master who makes a living by doing painting, roofing, and plumbing work in the Osmangazi district, surprises those who see him with his resemblance to Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Those who see Güven, whose great-grandfathers came from Thessaloniki during the "Population Exchange Period" in the early years of the Republic's founding, for the first time experience emotional moments. Güven, who says he is proud to be compared to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, said, "Our grandfathers came from the city of Thessaloniki in Greece to the Özlüce Neighborhood of Bursa. Until 2001, we were operating in the textile sector. When we went bankrupt, we turned to construction and renovation work. Right now we earn our bread by working in construction jobs. Because of my resemblance to Atatürk, I really like that people want to take photos with me. I receive very nice reactions."
RESEMBLING HIM IN MIND IS MUCH MORE PRIDEWORTHY
Stating that those who see him are surprised, Güven said, "Because of my resemblance to Atatürk, I receive very nice reactions from the people around me and from people who see me on the road. There are also those who become emotional when they see me. Children want to hug me and have their photos taken with me. At first, I did not allow people who wanted to take photos with me. However, later I got used to the situation and I allow everyone who wants to take a photo. The fact that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is loved so much makes me proud. Resembling such a man of ideas is a blessing. We also share the same spirit in line with his ideas. We too would do anything for our country. Resembling Atatürk not in appearance but in mind—that is something that brings much greater pride," he stated.