This is the 3025th most frequent Turkish word.
ata
"Ancestor" or "forefather."
In this sentence, 'ata' refers to 'a horse,' derived from the original word 'at' with the dative suffix '-a' indicating direction or destination.
Ata binmek, geleneksel bir spordur.
Riding a horse is a traditional sport.
Here, 'atalarını' refers to 'their ancestors,' derived from the root 'ata' meaning 'ancestor' and the possessive and accusative suffixes.
Türk milleti, atalarını her zaman saygıyla anar.
The Turkish nation always remembers their ancestors with respect.
In this example, 'ata' is used as a title or respectful address, equivalent to 'elder' or 'ancestor.'