The power and relevance of Namık Kemal

To understand the historical and political processes, class struggles, and steps toward progress and development that societies experience, one must first look at books on history, politics, economics, and sociology, as well as newspaper archives and magazine collections. In addition to these, the works of those societies' great writers, poets, literary figures, thinkers, and cultural and artistic figures are also examined.

Because their works contain the political developments, social history, and class contradictions of the era. Because their observations and thoughts describe the period in which they lived, and the characters they highlight in their works bear witness to their times. Because the struggles of great leaders, revolutionaries, and heroes are present in these works.

The works of great artists and cultural figures also nourish societies, people, intellectuals, and heroes. Because these works not only know, recognize, and reflect society and the ordinary person very well, but society and ordinary people are also deeply influenced by these great literary and artistic works.

Namık Kemal, whom we know, recognize, and commemorate as the “poet of the homeland,” is one of these great literary figures and thinkers.

The fact that our great leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk said, “Ali Rıza Efendi is the father of my body, Namık Kemal is the father of my emotions, and Ziya Gökalp is the father of my ideas,” is proof of this. Just as he said of Tevfik Fikret, “I received my revolutionary spirit from him,” Atatürk placed Namık Kemal in a distinct position among our literary figures and thinkers.

Because Namık Kemal is principled, combative, pioneering, and courageous. Among the cultural, artistic, and intellectual figures of the Tanzimat era, he stands out with his powerful pen and courageous expression.

Because Namık Kemal has a strong character. His works have a high power to influence society. He stood tall against all kinds of power in the name of rights and the people, in the name of justice and conscience. He did not bow down, and he did not sell his pen.

Because Namık Kemal, as one of the pioneering names of Turkish nationalism, adopted a social understanding of art. He deeply influenced the Young Turks and insisted that art and literature should address and reflect the problems of society, and strive to raise awareness, awaken, and enlighten society.

Because Namık Kemal is a productive cultural, artistic, and intellectual figure. He produced works in many branches of literature, from poetry to theater.

Because Namık Kemal is one of the first names that comes to mind when one mentions homeland, nation, liberty, justice, equality (müsavat), and brotherhood (uhuvvet).

In short; Namık Kemal is an intellectual with a claim, a cause, and a principle. That is why he is always relevant, always influential, and always an example.