A note from Atatürk's National Economy thought to the present day

I cannot pass without recalling the catastrophe of the capitulations we abolished, which condemned us to today's economic misery. As you know, our country was not in a strong position in terms of economic organization and environment. Individual economic values had not reached a level capable of withstanding free competition.

The era of free trade, opened by the Tanzimat, bound our economy, which could not defend itself against European competition, with the additional chain of economic capitulations. Those who were much stronger than us in terms of organization and individual values held an extra privileged position in our country. They did not pay income tax. They held our customs in their hands. They could bring any goods they wanted into our country under any conditions they desired. Thus, they had dominated all branches of our economy.

Gentlemen, the competition waged against us was truly very unfair, truly very crushing. Through this method, our rivals destroyed our industry, which was extremely suitable for development. They also caused great damage to our agriculture. They prevented the maturation of our development, our economy, and our finances.

Economy means everything. It means everything necessary for living, for being happy, and for the existence of humanity.

In my opinion, the "era of the people" is expressed by the concept of the "era of economy." An era of economy such that our country may be prosperous, and our nation may be affluent and wealthy. At this point, I would like to remind you of a philosophy: "Contentment with what one has is an inexhaustible treasure." Let the era of economy put an end to the philosophy of considering contentment an inexhaustible treasure and viewing poverty as a virtue.

Gentlemen, great harm has been done to this nation and this country due to the absolute misinterpretation of this philosophy. We know that God created all these blessings and beauties on earth so that people could benefit from them and live in prosperity. And to ensure the greatest benefit, He gave humans the intelligence and reason that He withheld from the rest of the universe.

If a homeland consisted only of dry mountains, rocks, swampy areas, and barren plains, it would be no different from a dungeon. Indeed, the proponents of this philosophy I mentioned have done nothing but turn our precious homeland into a dungeon and a hell. Yet, this homeland is worthy of being made a paradise for our children and grandchildren. It is economic influences and efforts that will make this country prosperous and a paradise.

Therefore, an era of economy is needed so that our nation may learn what living humanely depends on and resort to those causes. The wish of us all is this: May the individuals of this country be representatives of agriculture, art, labor, and life, with examples in their hands. May this country no longer be poor and this nation no longer be scorned; may our country be called a "land of the wealthy," a "country of the rich." And may the name of this new Turkey be called the "land of the industrious."

This is the era in which the nation finds itself, and it is this era that it will elevate. And it will write the history of such an era. The highest position and the greatest honor of such an era and history will belong to the hardworking children of the people.

The new Turkish State will be an economic state.