Domestic goods are the nation's goods, everyone should use them!

Today, I will talk about a period of time that many people reading this—especially those who spent their childhood in the 80s and 90s—will remember with a slight smile and nostalgia. This joyful period is known by its current name as "Thrift, Investment, and Turkish Goods Week"; and by its former name as "Domestic Goods Week."

This week, which is almost as old as the Republic itself, was first celebrated in our country through the efforts of the National Economy and Savings Association, which was established on December 12, 1929, under the influence of the Great Depression. Celebrated as "National Economy and Savings Week" from its inception until 1946, this week is known today by its full name, "Thrift, Investment, and Turkish Goods Week."

Celebrated every year between December 12-18 and creating great joy, especially among primary school children, this week was initially a time when poems were read, songs were sung, and plays were performed to support domestic production and encourage savings. However, in the 80s and 90s, it transformed into a time when students ate until they were stuffed and had fun, while parents entered into a competition of refreshments. In this transformation, which was shaped in parallel with social developments, many things have changed from the past to the present. Nowadays, as a natural consequence of being a society of ostentation, foreign and popular brands have come to the fore; refreshments like gözleme, ayran, olives, cheese, and grapes have been replaced by extremely "domestic and national (!)" treats like pizza, cupcakes, pancakes, cheesecake, and macarons.

In this cultural confusion and the competition of refreshments where every frame is meant to be shared on social media, do you think the concept of "domestic goods" is really being taught to children? Is "Domestic Goods Week" being celebrated in accordance with its meaning and importance, and are children being introduced to Turkey's rich variety of agricultural products, culinary culture, and natural beauties? Or is "Domestic Goods Week" just a nostalgic event that has deviated from its purpose, expired, and that no one really cares about anymore?

As far as I have observed, although there are different practices in schools and classrooms, "Domestic Goods Week" is no longer as joyful as it used to be. Since I made this observation based on a few schools, my margin of error might be high, but there is one point I am sure I will not be wrong about: As a Turkish society, we do not have the consciousness of "using domestic goods" and "supporting domestic production"; furthermore, none of us, including children, have any joy, curiosity, or excitement for anything!

As a society, we do not know the goods we produce or the natural flavors of our homeland. Not only do we not know them, but we also do not understand those who show sensitivity on this subject. Instead of domestic products, we prefer more expensive foreign-branded products, and we find this cooler or, in modern terms, "cool." We may find foreign brands "cool," but the air we try to put on hurts us and our economy the most. While almost everyone's problem in Turkey has become the economy and the cost of living, this unconsciousness and indifference regarding the use of domestic goods harms us all!

Perhaps what we need now more than ever is to use domestic products and adopt the philosophy that "Domestic goods are the nation's goods, everyone should use them!"