Remember! (Declaration of Populism)

It is necessary to remember. Acts of defense and liberation are sacred. They are the last resort in politics. When you take up this weapon, you are forced to express things beyond diplomacy and habits.

It was the same 106 years ago. The 'Declaration of Populism' was presented to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) on November 18, 1920. I am quoting its beginning exactly as it is:

'As a result of imperialist states openly threatening the life of our state and nation, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, which gathered for legitimate self-defense, has deemed it necessary to publish this declaration to once again present to the whole world the purpose and profession it has declared openly or implicitly on various occasions until now:

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey was formed with the pledge to ensure life and independence within national borders and to save the office of the Caliphate and the Sultanate. Therefore, it believes that it will reach its goal by saving the people of Turkey, whose sole and sacred aspiration it considers to be life and independence, from the domination and oppression of imperialism and capitalism, and by making them the masters of their own will and sovereignty.'

Today, liberation is multidimensional. The US, that is, the military-industrial complex, is breaking free from the ties of Israel-Wall Street-City of London. It is playing to win while losing. Turkey, on the other hand, is breaking free from some of its ties through the crushing of the FETÖ-led uprising, where it appeared to have lost its command echelon, the crushing of the Western-backed BTÖ, and ultimately the transformation of the US-Israel-backed jihadists right on its doorstep. It is growing stronger while becoming isolated, and it is gaining new friends.

Atatürkists and revolutionaries have forgotten this cause. They have forgotten that the main issue is full independence, that the main issue is the liberation of human intelligence from darkness, and ultimately, the supremacy of the public interest. They have forgotten to look behind the momentary, temporary, and superficial political changes.

It is necessary to remember the motto of Turkish modernization, Unity and Progress, and to re-read Turkey's recent history and today. This re-reading is also a reckoning. It must not be delayed. We must rid ourselves of the darkness, mistakes, obsessions, and prejudices that cover our minds and horizons.

Beyond the intentions and interests of individuals, we must rethink the opportunities and capabilities at our disposal. The world we know is collapsing. The alliances we know are cracking. We are in uncharted waters. That is why finding the route is even more difficult. In such moments, we need to take a step back and remember our fundamental concern: To keep us together, to reshape us according to new needs, and to move forward!