Understanding Atatürk Means Upholding the Republic

A nation’s greatness is measured not only by the victories it has achieved in the past, but also by how faithfully it protects the values those victories have entrusted to future generations.

November 10 is more than a day of mourning. It is a time for a nation to reflect on its struggle for independence, its rebirth and the historic journey that continues to shape its future.

We commemorate Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, distinguished commander and visionary statesman, with deep respect, gratitude and remembrance on the 88th anniversary of his passing.

Yet today, we must ask ourselves an important question:

Do we truly understand Atatürk, or are we content with remembering him only on commemorative occasions?

Understanding Atatürk means far more than standing in silence before his portrait.

It means recognising the value of independence and understanding that a nation’s future must never be placed in the hands of foreign powers. It means embracing the principle that sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the people, not merely as a political slogan, but as the foundation of national governance.

The Republic is more than a system of government. It represents the transformation of individuals from subjects into citizens, each entitled to equal rights, freedoms and dignity.

Atatürk’s greatest legacy is not limited to the state he founded. It is the vision of a modern society built on reason, science, education, the rule of law, secularism and freedom of thought.

Rather than confining the future within the boundaries of the past, he set before his nation the ambitious goal of surpassing the level of contemporary civilisation.

What matters today is not simply invoking Atatürk’s name, but keeping his principles and vision alive through our actions.

Defending the supremacy of law, demanding justice for everyone, protecting freedom of thought and expression, upholding merit and working towards a country where no citizen faces discrimination because of their identity, beliefs or opinions are all essential parts of safeguarding the Republic’s founding values.

To love Atatürk also means continuing along the path of progress and modernisation that he laid out.

A nation’s true strength cannot be measured solely by its military, economy or borders. It must also be judged by the freedom, justice, education and equal opportunities it offers its people.

The most valuable legacy the Republic can pass on to future generations is a Türkiye where people can think without fear, speak freely, question authority and confidently exercise their rights.

When the sirens fall silent on November 10, when the moment of silence comes to an end and everyday life resumes, the responsibility Atatürk entrusted to us does not disappear.

On the contrary, that is when our real responsibility begins.

Keeping Atatürk’s legacy alive means more than commemorating his memory. It means carrying the Republic he entrusted to us into the future through democracy, freedom, justice and science.

On the 88th anniversary of his passing, we honour Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, his comrades-in-arms and all the heroes of our struggle for independence with profound respect, gratitude and remembrance.

We have not forgotten, and we never will. For some people may leave this world, but their ideas continue to illuminate the future of an entire nation.