Atatürk University hosted the opening session of the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey 1923-2023 International Symposium, which was co-organized by the Atatürk Higher Institution of Culture, Language, and History Research Center.

Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi, Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, Vice Rectors, Provincial Director of National Education Yakup Yıldız, Representative of the Atatürk Culture, Language and History High Institution Research Center Ömer Orhan,
Mayor of Aziziye M. Cevdet Orhan, and Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Zafer Aynal all attended the opening ceremony of the symposium commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

The "Atatürk and the Republic" painting exhibition, curated by the Atatürk Principles and Revolution History Institute, was inaugurated by Governor Çiftci and Rector Çomaklı prior to the commencement of the international symposium at the National Will Hall on July 15.

The Nene Hatun Cultural Center will host the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey 1923-2023 International Symposium from October 13-14. In total, the symposium will consist of 12 sessions and will be attended by 48 academicians from both domestic and international locations.

Prof. Dr. Esin Derinsu Dayı, a professor from the Atatürk Principles and Revolution History Institute began her introductory remarks at the symposium by extending well-wishes for the Republic's eternal and joyous centennial. She said it was a privilege to be present for this momentous occasion that possesses spiritual, national, and historical significance.

"The capital was officially designated as Ankara on October 13, the symposium's commencement date."

Prof. Dr. Dayı said the symposium commenced on October 13, which coincided with the inauguration of Ankara as our capital. The capital was officially designated Ankara on October 13, 1923. We chose this date to conduct our symposium for this reason. Ankara emerged as the epicenter of the National Struggle following the inaugural session of the parliament on 23 April 1920 and Atatürk's initial visit to the city on 27 December 1919. We commemorate the fact that Ankara was designated as the capital of our Republic. "Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, our esteemed rector, provided both monetary and moral assistance when we proposed the coordination of the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey 1923-2023 International Symposium. For this reason, I wish to extend my gratitude to all individuals who made contributions." she added.

Rector Prof. Ömer Çomaklı commenced his discourse by stating, "We are honored to host the 100th Anniversary International Symposium on the Republic of Turkey from 1923 to 2023. This occasion is commemorated at our esteemed university, which bears the name of the nation's founder and adheres to the guiding principle of "Moving Forward in the Service of Life." Çomaklı expressed his delight at the opportunity to host this symposium, which will serve to strengthen our unity and integrity as a nation and spiritual community amidst the current era of wars, conflicts, and unjust, unlawful, and inhumane assaults against innocent individuals.

"The public is informed by Mustafa Kemal Pasha that the "Republic" is virtue!" 

Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı made the following remarks: "The proclamation of the Republic on October 29, 1923, with the objective of attaining independence, exemplified the spirit of unity and solidarity to the utmost extent possible. The Republic's independence-oriented nature served as the culmination of the Turks' historical quest for survival. The Republic was founded on the ingenuity and foresight of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the valor of the Turkish people, and the strength of the national and spiritual will. It is a modernization and enlightenment initiative founded on the principles of complete independence and national sovereignty, with the goal of sustaining progress in accordance with rationality and scientific principles. "The Republic is Virtue!" is how Mustafa Kemal Pasha explains the "Republic" to the general public. Because the Turkish nation's national and spiritual foundational values have propelled the Republic to power. The Republic of Turkey, which stands as a culmination and outcome of the Turkish nation's protracted struggle for independence during which it proclaimed to the world that its independence and future would not be compromised, is our most enduring testament to virtue and worth. Universities have a significant obligation to ensure that this cultural legacy is passed on to succeeding generations. This consciousness serves as the foundation for Atatürk University's dedication to national and spiritual values. Efforts are being made to cultivate new generations who are productive and diligent in serving their nation."

"The significance of the centennial of our republic is entirely different."

"To all of us, the centenary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey is extremely significant. We diligently strive to advance our republic beyond its current state. Our most steadfast reference, support, and starting point in this endeavor is the current state of the Republic of Turkey. Historically, our nation commemorated the Republic Day with tremendous zeal. The significance of the 100th anniversary, however, is entirely distinct. This grand vision, alternatively referred to as the "Th Century of the Turkish" encompasses not only the realization of effective strategies but also the opening of doors to new objectives that our nation confidently pursues. During a time when regional or global conflicts and hostilities are on the rise, one of the most significant indicators of this is the active involvement of our great state in the international political arena, where it strives to promote peace, stability, and justice. The humanitarian catastrophe in Syria, the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Karabakh conflict, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict have all been resolved in accordance with Turkey's "leading country" policies, which are further manifestations of this influence." Çomaklı said.

Çomaklı also made the following remarks: "In observance of the one hundredth anniversary since the proclamation of our Republic, I offer a solemn prayer for the mercy of God and pay tribute to all our martyrs, with particular reverence to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. I hold the conviction that the symposium will provide a wealth of knowledge, concepts, and viewpoints that will broaden the perspectives of our young scholars, students, and other attendees in preparation for our promising future. May eternal life be granted to the Republic of Turkey, which is built upon the pillars of Turkish valor, spirituality, morality, and conscience. May it illuminate the geographies of Turkey and Islam, as well as the oppressed nations. "Happy 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye."

Governor Mustafa Çiftci asserted that our world is undergoing a period of profound and rapid transformation and change. In this era characterized by escalating global injustice, inequality, and uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts and the phenomenon of intensifying competition across all domains resurface, and our nation is geographically encircled by crises. Its active participation on the field and at the table was underscored in the context of its historical obligations and personal interests.

"We are welcoming the 100th anniversary with our achievements in every field"

Governor Çiftci expressed gratitude that, throughout the previous century, the Republic of Turkey has persistently advanced along the promising trajectory it has forged and persisted in its resolute endeavor to attain the status of a respected participant in the international community while upholding the universal values it has embraced. The Republic of Turkey is a nation that has persevered despite the challenges it has encountered for the past century and has now established itself as one of the world's emerging powers, owing in large part to recent developments. TOGG, the first domestic and national electric vehicle in our country, has been operationalized for the benefit of our nation. It is now capable of designing, developing, manufacturing, and exporting its own defense industry products. We are commemorating our centenary by showcasing our accomplishments across various sectors, including education, health, transportation, agriculture, and tourism.

Our ancient state is resolute in its efforts to fortify the bridge connecting the past and the present so that it may continue to address contemporary requirements and adapt to emerging developments. Demonstrating the accomplishments of our republic to the younger generation, in which we place our future, is of the utmost importance. A republic is not merely an administrative structure. It has served as an unwavering assurance for all of our accomplishments and principles in the realms of education, science, culture, health, the economy, society, and the military. Hence, it is imperative that we possess a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the pathway that led from a vast empire to the Republic, and perpetually bear it in our thoughts. The papers that will be presented at the 100th Anniversary International Symposium of the Republic of Turkey, which we have inaugurated at this time, are crucial in that they represent the values of our nation and are significant on an international level," Çiftci finished his remarks.

The first session of the symposium on 'the Proclamation of the Republic' commenced subsequent to the introductory speeches. It was presided over by Professor Dr. Esin Derinsu Dayı.

The topics planned for the symposium were "The Effects of Turkish Nationalism Thought on the Establishment of the Republic" by Prof. Dr. Salim Gökcen, "Regime Discussions in the Press During the Declaration of the Republic" by Dr. Hikmet Yaman, "the Intellectual Foundations of the Republic in the Proclamation Process" by PhD Student Kerem Tabak, and "Turkey in the 10th Anniversary of the Republic" by Associate Prof. Dr. Gökhan Polatoğlu. A multitude of details were communicated to the audience.

On October 13-14, following the opening ceremony and the first session, the symposium will proceed at the Nenehatun Cultural Center.



13.10.2023 CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE