Today, on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, we find ourselves not only celebrating the birth of a nation, but also remembering Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the visionary leader who made it all possible. This day is a testament to his extraordinary leadership and the unwavering spirit of the Turkish people.
The establishment of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923 was not only a political event, but also a profound social and cultural revolution. Atatürk carried out a series of reforms that modernized Turkey, from granting equal rights to women to introducing a new alphabet, the Latin script, which made education more accessible to everyone, not just the Istanbul elite.
Atatürk's unwavering commitment to progress, education and secularism was a beacon of hope in a world in turmoil. He believed that a nation's strength lay in its ability to adapt and grow, and under his guidance Turkey flourished.
Today, as we commemorate 100 years of the Republic of Türkiye, let us reflect on the progress made and the challenges overcome. Today is a day to honor the resilience of the Turkish people and their determination to build a brighter future.
In an ever-changing and evolving world, Ataturk's principles of progress, innovation and unity remain as relevant as ever. His legacy inspires not only Türkiye but the whole world to strive for a better future through knowledge, unity and commitment to the principles of democracy and freedom.
100 years later, as a nation, we remember Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with gratitude for leaving us this republic. Today, I reaffirm my commitment to Atatürk's legacy. At every point in my career, I have always seen Atatürk's principles as my guide and I will continue to work as a young Turkish man to carry these principles forward for many centuries to come.
Although they are no longer the "overwhelming majority" in Türkiye, I am confident that the generations who have internalized the 1923 Republic and grown up with this corpus will carry these principles for many centuries to come. Elections come and go; parties open and close; governments change. What does not change is the founding vein of this country and the people who embrace that vein.
Happy 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye and may Atatürk's vision continue to shine as a guiding light for future generations.
How happy is the one who says I am a Türk!