Isn't it time to polish the Republic we have let fade?

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of our Republic is not just about hanging flags, but about knowing how to face the truth!

As the grandchildren of a leader who risked death to drive the Italians, the French, the Greeks, the British, and the imperialist powers from these lands, and to create a fully independent nation with a secular administration, free people, and free women, far from mandates, bigotry, and dogmatic Islamism,

how much have we stood by our Republic?

Courage is the step taken despite fear! His courage overcame his fears. He started our struggle for liberation at the risk of being declared a traitor to the homeland.

And what about our courage?

From the moment the mentality of “either you are with me or you will be eliminated” began to be injected into the lifeblood of the country, which of us risked leaving their seats? Which of us chose to walk with their conscience? Which of us chose courage?

As citizens of a country where we have been polarized like a caste system—religious and secular, partisan and opposition, rich and poor—we are morally responsible for allowing this to happen.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of our Republic begins not with hanging flags, but with being the Republic itself.

Because the Republic is not just a form of government; it is our struggle for liberation that we won against the occupiers!

Because the Republic is loyalty to our grandfathers' words: “Independence or Death.” It is sacrificing one's life without blinking.

Because the Republic is a revolution for the women of this country.

Because the Republic is the right to equal education for every individual.

Because the Republic is equality of opportunity.

Because the Republic is the guarantee of an equal and fair distribution of income.

Because the Republic is social peace and tranquility.

Because the Republic is not bowing down to authority.

Because the Republic is the foundation of a fair judiciary.

Because the Republic is the freedom to think, write, and express one's thoughts…

Because the Republic is self-sufficiency in agriculture.

Because the Republic is being an individual, not a subject who pledges allegiance.

As we enter the 100th year of our Republic, we must face the truth and ask ourselves this:

Why couldn't we be as brave as you, Atam?

As we enter our second century with our heads bowed and in shame before our Atam, I dream of a Turkey where we live and internalize our Republic with our true essence. Does it really need to take another 100 years for this?

Isn't it time to polish the Republic we have let fade?