The Proclamation of the Republic: Atatürk’s Parliamentary Speech and Words That Illuminated a Nation!

October 29, 1923, is the day that changed the destiny of the Turkish nation and crowned the struggle for independence. This meaningful day symbolizes how the nation achieved its independence, freedom and future with great faith and devotion. Let’s take a closer look at the process leading up to the declaration of Republic Day, celebrated with great enthusiasm every year in our country and the words of Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk that empowered and illuminated the nation.

 

A Special Day Etched in History in Golden Letters: October 29, 1923

Following World War I, the Ottoman Empire entered a period of disintegration and much of Anatolia was occupied. Despite their dire situation, the Turkish people did not give up hope for independence. The struggle, which began with Mustafa Kemal Pasha’s landing in Samsun on May 19, 1919, would culminate in the proclamation of the Republic in Ankara.

 

Footsteps of the Republic of Turkey

While the victory that followed a long and arduous struggle had ended the war and the occupation, the real struggle was now about to start. The time had come to revive the country and move it forward. According to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the path to this was through a republican regime.

First, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was inaugurated on April 23, 1920. The first constitution, adopted on January 20, 1921, clearly stated: “Sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the nation.” These steps were followed by the abolition of the sultanate on November 1, 1922. Almost everything was ready for the declaration of Mustafa Kemal’s dream of a republican regime.

The calendars showed October 28, 1923. At a dinner that he had hosted at the Çankaya Presidential Palace, Mustafa Kemal uttered the famous sentence: “Gentlemen, tomorrow we will declare the Republic!” On October 29, a constitutional amendment was passed in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey: The Turkish State’s form of government was now a republic.

 

Unforgettable Speech in Parliament

Mustafa Kemal was unanimously elected president in the parliamentary elections. Following the election, Mustafa Kemal Pasha took the podium and addressed the members of parliament and the entire public. In his speech, he emphasized that the Turkish nation had achieved its independence through great sacrifices and that, thanks to the republican regime, the nation would attain its rightful place. He concluded his remarks with the following words: “The Republic of Turkey will be happy, successful and victorious.”

 

A Leader’s Address to His Nation

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha, in his remarks on the parliamentary podium during the period leading up to the proclamation of the Republic, offered words of encouragement to the nation for this great day. In his 1922 speech, his emphasis on “managing the people’s future in their own hands and in practice” demonstrated his commitment to national sovereignty. This view formed the foundation of the Republic.

Mustafa Kemal envisioned a modern Turkey with a national consciousness. He wanted the Turkish people to be a single, united community whose “destiny and interests are the same.” Establishing national unity was crucial in the establishment of a new state. The policies implemented after the Republic was declared would be shaped by this principle of national consciousness.

Mustafa Kemal Pasha believed that the people should have equal rights before the law. A republic was necessary for the democratic and peaceful administration of justice. This policy, which he called “our unchangeable general rule,” was one of the cornerstones of the new state order.

Atatürk, who placed great importance on education, knew that the path to the new Turkey’s progress lay through education. He was aware that theoretical knowledge alone was not sufficient “to make the children of the country actually effective and useful in social life and the economy.” The revolutions he aimed to implement with the declaration of the Republic also aligned with this principle.

The public, impressed by his resolute stance in his parliamentary speech on October 29, 1923, was now much more hopeful about erasing the scars of war. The proclamation of the Republic and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s speech resonated in both the domestic and international press. Now, on the scene was not a “sick” empire but a strong and modern Republic of Turkey.

 

Towards a Bright Future in the Light of the Republic

Mustafa Kemal’s resolute and powerful voice rising from the parliamentary rostrum became the beacon illuminating the path of a nation. With the proclamation of the Republic, these lands, a symbol of unity and struggle, took on a brand new face. Important steps were taken towards sovereignty and democracy. The government began to be shaped by the will of the people. A secular and contemporary state structure was adopted. Strong investments were made in education, science and the arts. Struggles were waged to ensure that women gained their rightful place in society. The Turkish Language Association and the Turkish Historical Society were established to teach Turkish identity and history.

Atatürk dreamed of an innovative, modern and independent Turkish state and joined the people in this dream. He realized this dream with the revolutions he made and the innovations he introduced, entrusting this strong country to the youth of Turkey.

Republic Day, October 29th, is the most sacred day that crowns a nation’s victory and independence. As the Turkish nation, we commemorate Republic Day with great enthusiasm every year and express our gratitude to our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his esteemed comrades-in-arms for bestowing this special day upon us.

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