29th October is the most crucial day, the anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, a great victory achieved with strength and pain, the rise from the ashes of a nation that fought an honorable war against the invaders to protect its independence and homeland at the cost of its life. It is the story of the miracle created by an underdeveloped nation. The main character in this story is Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. His intelligence in leadership was appreciated by the whole world for his role in the struggle for independence.
Atatürk was a great leader and was not only admired by his nation, but by prominent people around the world too. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the former US president said: “The name of Atatürk reminds people of the historical successes of one of the great individuals of this century, the leadership that gave inspiration to the Turkish nation, farsightedness in the understanding of the modern world and courage and power as a military leader.” By looking at this quote, we can easily understand that Atatürk was a great hero who devoted himself to his nation.
Atatürk’s birth corresponded to a period where people were poor and ruled by a monarchy system. Expecting justice in this period is in vain, as we can understand from the regime. Atatürk had always supported the democratic system and believed the idea that the republic is the best form among the regimes. However, it took some time to change the regime since there were opponents to this idea and there were wars with other problems to deal with.
Atatürk had a lot of victories and each of them helped him to be known across the world. Every triumph has led to the development of the country, a cure for the eyes looking with pain, and a hope for the future. Each of the eyes was looking at Atatürk with admiration, knowing that the key to the salvation of themselves was in the hands of him.
While the wars kept going on, Atatürk also wanted to proceed the education because he gave a significant value to it. There have been a lot of children who were constrained to drop out of their education to help the army. Besides the soldiers; many children, women, and elder people rushed to the battlefield and defended their land. These people who fought until the last drop of their blood had the same goal in their mind: To defeat the enemies and protect their country. This is a great example of determination and union in the country.
After the First World War, the Turkish people were in such a bad condition. The consequences of the war deteriorated them. Atatürk was aware of this situation, and he went to Samsun and started the War of Independence. The Turkish people, after three years, returned with a triumph from this war with great difficulties. And now, it was time for the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye which Atatürk’s main aim was. He had been waiting for the opportunity to declare the republic. 29th October 1923, was the date everyone could take a deep breath, the excitement in people’s eyes was worth all the pain and suffering.
We will always remember that the republic was not acquired easily and never forget the Turkish people, especially Atatürk for their contributions. This year, the 100th anniversary of the republic is of great importance to us. I can hear Atatürk’s words echo in my ears:” Hey rising new generation! The future is yours. We established the Republic; you are the ones who will keep it alive forever.” I believe that the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye became a treasure for the Turkish people after all the suffering. So, as Atatürk wants from us, the new generation, I promise to keep the republic alive and never lose this treasure.
References: