Today, Turkey is wrapped in a deep sense of reverence and longing. It’s November 10th—a day when an entire nation mourns the loss of its great leader yet continues to follow the path he paved. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was not merely a soldier or a statesman; he was the architect of modern Turkey, the pioneer of its fight for freedom. Today, as we commemorate him, we are, in truth, reminded once again of the legacy he left behind.
Atatürk once said, “My humble body will surely turn to dust one day, but the Republic of Turkey will stand forever.” In these words, we see a leader’s quest for immortality—not through his own existence but through his enduring contributions. For Atatürk, what mattered was not his own legacy but the independence and prosperity of his people.
Our duty today is to honor this legacy, to nurture Turkey as the modern, independent nation he envisioned. We must uphold his principle of “Peace at home, peace in the world” and work toward a future founded on peace.
As we carry Atatürk’s vision in our hearts, we remember him with profound respect every November 10th. And, as he said, “To see me does not necessarily mean to see my face. If you understand and feel my ideas, my sentiments, that is enough.”