On Sunday, October 29, the Republic of Turkey marked its centenary. 100 years ago, the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk proclaimed the Republic.

The highly anticipated 100-year milestone provided an opportunity for the country to rise above contemporary political disagreements and unite to celebrate Turkey’s founding, which ushered in significant societal, political, economic and cultural change from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire.

Atatürk’s legacy and the nature of Turkey’s founding continue to hold a profound impact on the Turkish people. As Atatürk described, October 29 is the greatest of holidays for Turkey, and Turkish society holds the Turkish Republic as the most profound relic of Atatürk, which was showcased throughout the country in the celebrations for the centenary.

Republicanism, Populism, Nationalism, Laicism, Statism, and Reformism; these six ideologies laid out by Atatürk have been the guiding principles of the Turkish Republic. These principles and values have been passed on from generation to generation since 1923, reinforced by politicians and civil society. With Turkey entering a new centenary with new ambitions, the principles hold more value than as Turkey finds itself in the center of many of the globe’s most significant developments and pressing challenges.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 11/21/23