Written by Dr. Aisha Hilal Sayan Koytak
This year, we proudly celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the declaration of the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye, a pivotal event in the history of our nation, which laid the foundations of a modern, democratic state that looks to the future.
On October 29, 1923, the Turkish people, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, embraced the principle of the republic, which guaranteed them the right to self-determination.
The declaration of the republic was the culmination of the epic struggle of the Turkish nation for independence. After years of sacrifices during the War of Independence, the Turkish people not only won their freedom, but also gained the right to establish a state based on national sovereignty and complete independence.
The Turkish nation has proven to the entire world that it will never submit to injustice or slavery. This victory, achieved thanks to the visionary leadership and exceptional determination of the Turkish people, remains an eternal source of inspiration that guides our steps to this day.
Since the founding of the Turkish Republic, we have been guided by the established principle: “Peace in the homeland, peace in the world.” Today, Türkiye stands out for its dynamic and active economy, effective diplomacy on the international scene, and strong contributions to establishing world peace.
As we honor the legacy of the Turkish Republic, we continue the path of progress and prosperity, enlightened by the vision of the “Century of Turkey” launched by His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with his wisdom and wise leadership.
When we contemplate the journey our republic has taken, it becomes clear to us that greater achievements still await us in the future. Today, the national and local defense capabilities that our nation has achieved are beyond comparison to the scarcity and hardship that the valiant generation that gained independence for us suffered.
I am certain that our ancestors would have felt great pride if they had witnessed our national capabilities today, as we today produce 80% of the products of our defense industries.
Within the framework of the “Century of Turkey,” Turkish national foreign policy aims to strengthen regional peace and security, expand the institutional basis of our foreign relations, advance economic development and prosperity in our region, and contribute effectively to directing the path of transformation in the global system.
For example, Türkiye has supported Syria’s efforts towards peace, recovery and reconstruction from the beginning, and has never left its Syrian brothers and sisters alone, and it never will.
Likewise, Turkey, from the first moment of the genocide in Gaza, has stood by its people, to provide humanitarian aid, and to support and lead every sincere initiative that upholds peace, justice, and human dignity.
Türkiye provided 102 thousand tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
As His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated, Turkey has continued its effective diplomatic efforts through multiple channels in order to put an end to the suffering of innocent civilians, including women and children.
In this context, we welcome the ceasefire decision in Gaza during the Sharm El-Sheikh summit, in which His Excellency President Erdogan also participated, and we look forward to the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
Establishing lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a just settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli issue. We hope that the momentum achieved in the ceasefire negotiations will contribute to creating the appropriate conditions to achieve a two-state solution in the next stage.
As has always been the case, Türkiye will continue its tireless efforts to achieve this vision. On this occasion, we extend our deepest condolences to the brotherly Palestinian people and Palestine for their victims, and we wish a speedy recovery to all the wounded.
Türkiye will continue its tireless work in preventing conflicts through mediation to resolve disputes, whether in its region or outside it.
Based on our foreign policy goals, relations between Türkiye and the Kingdom of Bahrain extend for more than five decades, and include cooperation in pivotal areas such as politics, trade, health, education, and culture.
Thanks to the wise visions of His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, our partnership has become stronger and more diverse year after year.
We stand united with the sister Gulf countries in the face of the transformations taking place in the regional security structure, and in the face of any challenges that may threaten the stability of our common geography.
On this occasion, I salute with all reverence, gratitude and compassion the memory of the leader of our war of independence and the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, the invader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and his comrades in arms.
I also honor all our martyrs and veterans, known and unknown, who are lying throughout our beloved homeland, and every hero – whether in military uniform or not – who has dedicated himself to the service of the Turkish nation.
With all feelings of pride and honor, I congratulate from the bottom of my heart the 102nd anniversary of the declaration of the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye, the source of our pride, steadfastness and inspiration.
