An article about the centenary of the Republic and today’s Turkey

The Republic, which established a modern political order in Turkey by abolishing the Sultanate and the Caliphate, was founded a century ago under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Happy 100th birthday to the Republic!

The Republic granted the people, whom the palace viewed as subjects, the consciousness of citizenship, the right to vote, and be elected, liberating them from the yoke of monarchy. Since its declaration in 1923, the Republic has gone through numerous critical phases, some of which have damaged its character, created significant problems, and left certain issues unresolved. Perhaps one of the most significant blows to the Republic was Turkey’s accession to NATO during the rule of the Democratic Party. In the following years, some powers tried to gradually undermine the Republic to integrate the country into the capitalist/imperialist system.

TURKEY FALLS UNDER INFLUENCE OF U.S. IMPERIALISM

Following NATO membership, Turkey fell under the influence of U.S. imperialism. All revolutionary dynamics were suppressed by the state. Military coups were carried out for this purpose. Society was religiously oriented as part of the U.S.’s “Green Belt” project. Some opinion leaders have often commented that Islamism and fascism have thrived on this source. Intellectuals often shared the view that the AKP, which came to power in 2002, unfortunately contributed to this process. Opinion leaders also note that the political Islamist government, in the 21 years that have passed, dismantled many of the Republic’s progressive achievements, directing the country towards a one-man regime that does not align with modern times.

ATTACKS ON SECULARISM AND DEMOCRACY

In today’s political landscape, one can unfortunately view serious acts of hostility against secularism and democracy, supposed to be the Republic’s strongest pillars. Just as turning back time is impossible, going back to the pre-AKP era is equally unfeasible. Opinion leaders and defenders of the republic note Turkey now needs to re-establish the republic on a fair, democratic, and egalitarian foundation. They say, a truly democratic Republic can only be brought onto the stage of history through the determined struggle of a people who courageously demand it.

HOPE FOR A COUNTRY WHERE PEOPLE CAN LIVE IN FREE AND SECULAR / DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

Opinion leaders comment that in the second century of the Republic, there is hope for a country where coexistence is possible, where people can breathe in an equal, free, independent, secular, and genuinely democratic society.

Editor’s note: The article contains some parts from article on below link
https://www.birgun.net/haber/bagimsizlik-ozgurluk-esitlik-ve-laiklik-icin-yasasin-cumhuriyet-479414