TÜRKİYE'S EARLY YEARS - ATATÜRK
- kirmizicantaliavukat
- Aug 30
- 12 min read
MY COMMENTS :
The work, which is a compilation of the speeches of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our state, in the parliament and the CHP Congress between 1924 and 1937, covers Atatürk's speeches on the plans of our country in every field and the goals achieved in this direction.
In the first five years of the Republic, it's clear that the railways were given special attention, particularly in speeches addressing housing and infrastructure. During the same period, it was frequently mentioned that the judiciary was trained and given orientation training in accordance with the new laws.
Additionally, some of the planned changes to the education system, another element of importance in the early years, were also mentioned. The elements consistently mentioned by Atatürk in his speeches focused on justice and the education system. The importance of these two pillars, which constitute the fundamental building blocks of the country, was clearly expressed at the time.
In the second five years, in addition to prioritizing railways and transportation, numerous tax supports and tax abolitions for farmers were discussed to fulfill the requirements of an agricultural society. It was clearly emphasized that efforts were being made to improve competitiveness in international markets by keeping taxation low on imported and industrial goods, particularly those benefiting small businesses and industrialists.
In the third five years, the recurrence of various global crises seems to have heightened Atatürk's security concerns, in particular. Support for the Aeroplane Society and the focus on submarine production and shipyard production appear to be among the notable measures in this regard. Indeed, in his 1936 inaugural address, he explicitly warned that countries would enter a significant arms race within the next year, and that Türkiye should therefore prepare for every contingency now.
In addition to discussing the country's development and reforms, Atatürk also touched upon several political crises, briefly mentioning the Seyit Rıza and Sheikh Said rebellions. However, because the final discussion of the Tunceli events occurred during Atatürk's final years, Celal Bayar's speech was clearly and decisively worded, concluding with a strong message.
Atatürk, who faced numerous rebellions during his reign, not only suppressed these rebellions but also undertook significant defense investments to keep the army vigorous against other threats and to advance the newly established country's infrastructure and employment. The construction of approximately 500 km of railway in just one year remains a significant infrastructure investment, considering the conditions of the time and the country's resources.
Our naval fleet, as Atatürk outlined from that time on, has now reached its modern age, reaching a highly developed level in many areas, supported entirely by national capital. It is also well known that many governments that succeeded us until the early 2000s failed to meet Atatürk's requirements for reaching the level of contemporary civilizations in terms of employment.
In conclusion, the work can be considered as one of the books that should be among the reference books in order to better understand both Atatürk's intellectual life and the early years of our country.
MY QUOTES(*) :
( Excerpts from the Inaugural Address of November 1, 1924 ) Our Treasury, with its first step toward reforming age-old taxes like the census tax, immediately brought relief to the public. The fact that the republican administration has reached a financial level within a year that allows it to propose to the Grand National Assembly the abolition of the tithe, the most merciless scourge of the Middle Ages that still plagues the country, is truly worthy of satisfaction and gratitude.
The efforts being made to ensure that members of the Republican judiciary, down to the most junior officials, possess scientific competence and the ideal of the republic are commendable. While institutions that ensure scientific competence are prioritized, attention should also be focused on the swift enactment of laws that will underpin the Republican judiciary.
The Aeroplane Society, established by the citizens' own initiative, gives hope for a broad sense of relief with the products it has provided in a short time.
( Excerpts from the Opening Year Speech of November 1, 1926 ) I appreciate the astonishment and accuracy shown by our judges as we enter the implementation phase of the Civil Code, Penal Code and Commercial Code, which you have accepted among the general reforms.
The vicious attempts of those who see their ambitions and inner selves as unsatisfied in the path of the nation's salvation have always been, and always will be, defeated by the national will. The assassination, which emerged as the latest manifestation of these attempts, is regrettable not because of its connection to our insignificant individual, but because it demonstrates a reactionary mindset so corrupt that it contemplates using a prestigious position like parliamentary membership as a tool for attack.
The Law on the Maintenance of Order, which the Grand National Assembly has implemented out of necessity to counter those who seek to divert our nation from the path it has charted in recent years through various deceptions and confusion, is a product of this principle. It is clear that the Law on the Maintenance of Order in no way restricts freedom of thought or the press, despite all evil acts and abuses. It is worthy of the Grand Assembly's consideration and evaluation that the law, implemented within these limits, should remain in force for an appropriate period, if necessary, to uphold its vital principles, such as the defense and strengthening of peace and security, reforms, and revolutions essential to the life of the nation.
( Excerpts from the Opening Speech of the CHP Grand Congress, October 15, 1927 ) We witnessed this blessed support during the earthquakes around Izmir and, more recently, in Kalecik. Citizens demonstrated the courage and strength to recover quickly from the damage caused by the Torbalı earthquake, which, it is fortunately understood, was not as significant as the initial concerns.
We have been particularly distressed by the drought that has continued severely this year in some of our provinces. The relative balance in the country's overall production, on the one hand, and the measures and aid focused on arid regions, on the other, have adequately mitigated the effects of the drought.
The number of Red Crescent members, who have doubled over the past year, has once again proven how generously they provide a treasure trove of compassion for times of disaster and need. Similarly, I would like to stimulate general interest in the development of the Child Protection Society (Child Protection Agency).
The drafts of the Criminal Procedure Law, Maritime Trade, Commercial Bankruptcy, and Enforcement Law will be presented to you during this period.
Our educational activities aim to ensure that primary education is effectively broadcast and compulsory, that educational unity is ensured in the country, that secondary education is intensified and facilitated with good means, that vocational training is provided throughout the country from primary and secondary levels to the highest level, and that higher education is compatible with the needs of this century in terms of both quantity and value.
The great Turkish nation can only escape ignorance with minimal effort and a shortcut, using such a tool that easily fits its beautiful and original language. This key to literacy is the Turkish alphabet, derived from the Latin alphabet. A simple experiment has revealed how well the ancient Turkish alphabet is suited to the Turkish language, and how easily older Turkish children, in both cities and villages, can read and write.
We prioritize the rapid establishment of agricultural institutes. The launch of agricultural cooperatives this year is particularly gratifying. We believe it is essential to expand these cooperatives throughout the country. Similarly, providing land to farmers is a matter that the government must constantly monitor. Providing working Turkish peasants with sufficient land to cultivate is one of the primary means of enriching the country's production.
In the year since our last statement in the Grand National Assembly, 445 km of railway has been relaid in our country. It has been decided to relaid another 500 km within a year.
( Excerpts from the Opening Year Speech of November 1, 1930 ) The establishment of the Central Bank of the Republic and the offering of its shares to the citizens are very close.
The re-emergence of parties in our political life took place in the recent days leading up to the municipal elections in the country.
The fruitful development of mutual activity in the political arena can only be achieved by preventing hostility from arising among citizens. The solutions to this are to ensure that insincere and ulterior motives within political parties, and those who seek outcomes beyond the law, are met with nationwide hatred. Furthermore, parties working on the principles of the republic must always distance themselves from the activities of such individuals.
( Excerpts from the Opening Speech of November 1, 1933 ) There is no doubt that half-measures are fruitless. As in all our endeavors, it is our firm decision to proceed with radical measures in education and the newly established university.
This year, we accepted a response visit from a distinguished Soviet delegation. The coincidence of this visit with the tenth anniversary of the Soviet Union's visit was a happy occasion, demonstrating the deep sincerity of relations between our two countries.
( Excerpts from the Opening Year Speech of November 1, 1934 ) The length of new railways currently under construction exceeds 500 km. Including those purchased, the length of our state-owned railways exceeds 5,000 km.
The measure of a nation's new transformation is its ability to embrace and comprehend change in music. The music we attempt to present today is far from being a source of pride. We must be clear about this. It is necessary to collect sublime sayings and expressions that express national, subtle emotions and thoughts, and to process them according to the latest, general musical principles of the day. Only in this way can Turkish national music rise and take its place in universal music.
( Excerpts from the Opening Speech of the CHP Congress, March 9, 1935 ) Another significant event in the past four years has been the Balkan Pact. The four states have united with a sincere conviction for their own security and to prevent the Balkans from becoming a source of confusion and confusion.
The Balkan Pact is increasingly becoming one of the main cornerstones of European peace.
The international situation is undergoing a delicate crisis. The old and great conflict has reached a fever pitch with the latest clashes. However, considering global trends, we are convinced of the need to remain vigilant, prepared, and alert.
( Excerpts from the Inaugural Speech of November 1, 1935 ) We feel the need to expand our internal administrative organization, starting with the eastern regions of the country. The re-establishment of two general inspectors (inspectorates) and the re-establishment of some provinces is also deemed necessary. Meanwhile, the implementation of a comprehensive reform program in the Dersim region is also being considered. We expect significant benefits from the general inspectors who ensure the continuous inspection of our provinces and the central oversight of their common affairs. The primary need of our eastern provinces is to connect them with our central and western provinces by railways.
Recent international events have confirmed once again the vital importance of a powerful air force for the Turkish nation.
( Excerpts from the Opening Year Speech of November 1, 1936 ) Our goal in primary education is to make this universal as soon as possible.
Demand for art and technical schools has increased. For higher education, I hope that the new and most challenging step will be taken by establishing Ankara University, starting with the medical school.
It is a pleasure for me to talk about the establishment of a conservatory and a performance academy in Ankara.
The 5,500-year-old material Turkish historical documents unearthed by the Historical Society's excavations at Alacahöyük are of a nature that will re-examine and deepen world cultural history. I am delighted to have witnessed firsthand the illuminating results of the recent Language Congress, convened with the participation of numerous European scholars.
The necessary organization must be established to implement the Labor Law. Furthermore, new laws should be drafted for maritime and agricultural workers.
This year, Ziraat Bank's new draft law will be among your work topics.
Following your laws regulating banks and credit distribution, establishing and expanding cooperatives, these new works of yours will be productive in the credit life of the country.
We will continue our policy of reducing taxes as long as it's necessary to make life cheaper. The bold reductions you've made in the past two years on salt, sugar, cement, and census taxes have been beneficial in every respect.
Since we are in the implementation period of a new program, our air forces are still far from reaching the level we desire.
I must mention, first and foremost, the visit of His Majesty Edward VIII, King of England, in disguise, and the commencement of the implementation of the new regime in the Straits, as envisaged by the Montreux Convention.
From now on, warships of any belligerent state are prohibited from passing through the Straits.
The coming year promises to be a year of major preparations, marked by negotiations and arms races. We sincerely hope that the disputes between states will lead to agreements.
( Excerpts from the Inaugural Speech of November 1, 1937 ) I am happy to say before you that no obstacle has been, and will not be, left to our nation's consideration in achieving the high level of civilization and prosperity it deserves. The results of our actions in Tunceli are a close manifestation of this truth.
The principle of advanced government is to make the people sincerely believe in their compassion as well as their power.
Our economic growth is increasing our need for maritime transportation vehicles daily. Some of the newly ordered vessels will arrive next spring. It is necessary to build new vessels and, in particular, to reactivate the old shipyard as a repair and new construction center for our merchant fleet.
Railways are a sacred torch that illuminates a country with the light of civilization and prosperity.
Lines reaching large distances in the East and South, such as Sivas and Diyarbakır, were connected to each other with the Sivas-Malatya connection last year.
You know that the Eastern Railways have been purchased. With the exception of the line to Nusaybin in the south, the administration and operation of all railways within the country are now in the hands of the republican government.
During the years of implementation of our railway construction policy, 78 bridges have been opened to traffic. Another 23 bridges are under construction.
The development of state revenues should be sought in the improvement of existing tax levying and collection methods through a continuous program rather than in the imposition of new taxes.
We see that the reductions in taxes and duties on animals, salt, sugar, cement, oil and gasoline, electricity, and raw materials, which have been made in the last two years and represent a reduction of thirty to fifty percent in each tax, have yielded positive and beneficial results for the citizens and the country in terms of encouraging production.
Furthermore, all taxes and duties that make it difficult to compete with foreign products by affecting the cost of production and the raw materials that are not produced in our country should be abolished.
For now, the country should be conceived as three major cultural regions. For the western region, the reform program initiated at Istanbul University must be implemented more radically, bringing a truly modern university to the republic. For the central region, Ankara University must be established soon. And for the eastern region, action must now be taken to create a modern cultural city, complete with elementary schools of all levels and, ultimately, a university, in a prime location on the shores of Lake Van.
This year, we started building submarines in our country.
The negotiations, which took place under the high auspices of the League of Nations, resulted in the acceptance and signature of documents that will ensure our aim of providing the people of Hatay with the happy and independent administration they deserve.
It is known to the world that our fundamental program in statecraft is the Republican People's Party. The principles it encompasses are guiding principles in both administration and politics. However, these principles should never be equated with the dogmas of books believed to have descended from heaven. We derive our inspiration not from the heavens or the unseen, but directly from life itself.
( Excerpts from the Opening Speech of Prime Minister Celal Bayar, November 1, 1938 ) The mass banditry incidents in Tunceli, which had continued for many years and sometimes took a violent form, were eliminated in a short time as a result of work within a specific program, and were consigned to history so that such incidents would never be repeated in that region.
New legal measures have been taken to ensure the stability of our revolution. To this end, stronger sanctions have been imposed on crimes against the state's personality and state forces in the Turkish Penal Code.
Halkbank funds were established to provide small tradesmen and small industrialists with the loans they needed.
The Grand National Assembly made a very appropriate move by establishing Denizbank.
I would like to point out that the number of major bridges opening onto the pass has reached 115 this year, and I hope that their number will be increased rapidly in proportion to the need.
Despite significant reductions in some taxes, collections showed an increase of 29 million liras last year than the estimated revenue.
I would like to note as an important event for our cultural life that this year, education in our schools has begun with books written in Turkish terms.
Our valuable army, whose glorious name we feel immense pride and peace of mind whenever we remember it, has once again demonstrated its ever-increasing power and capability in the maneuvers it carried out under the most difficult and harsh conditions of nature in the Eastern region this summer.
The stages the Hatay issue has gone through over the past year are well known. The temporary, joint occupation by Turkish and French troops was a clear indication of this agreement. Finally, Hatay gained its National Assembly and independence. The independent state of Hatay is now busy organizing its police forces and ensuring the country's internal security with its own means.
I would like to mention the trade agreement signed with the British government and also the trade and armament credit agreement of 16 million British pounds, and the law annexed to it has been submitted to your high approval.
A few days ago, an agreement was reached with the distinguished German Minister of Economics, Mr. Funk, who visited our country, on the principles of a loan of 150 million marks.
MY EVALUATIONS:
Although it consists of official speeches, it should be stated that it is a must-read for those who want to read the messages it contains and the recent history of our country directly from the mouth of its founder.
(*) : All sections under the title My Quotations:
TÜRKİYE'S EARLY YEARS
Author : Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Publishing House : Can Publishing
Edition : 4th Edition – June 2024
The photo used on the cover was used as a quote from the book.
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