Atatürk Forest is a planted forest named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, located in the southern area of Mount Carmel in Israel.
The forest was planted on barren land by immigrants from Turkey in 1953.
[1] An opening ceremony was held attended by Israeli president Yitzhak Ben-Zvi and Turkish Ambassador Şefket İstinyeli who both also planted a tree in the forest that day.
[2] A sign reads: "ATATÜRK ORMANI TÜRKİYE'DEN GELEN MUSEVİLER TARAFINDAN DİKİLMİŞTİR" In documented photos, Turkish women are seen taking a moment of respect in front of a plaque with that quote on it.
[3] At least as of 1972, Turks who visited the forest and planted a tree would receive a diploma.