The 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye and Art: A Bridge to the Future

This year, we are all experiencing the excitement and happiness of celebrating the 100th anniversary of our republic. 

One of the foundations of the Republic of Türkiye, established under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was art. Atatürk wanted to build not only a state but also a culture and an identity.

Art became one of the cornerstones of this identity.

Atatürk made a great effort to unleash Türkiye's artistic potential. Talented young people in many branches of art, from painting to sculpture, and from opera to classical music, were sent abroad with state scholarships. For example, during this period, the first Turkish opera, the 'Özsoy Opera', was composed by A. Adnan Saygun at the request of Atatürk in honor of the visit of Shah Reza Pahlavi, and its theme was provided by Atatürk himself.

However, the value Atatürk placed on art was not limited to these and similar projects. For him, art was a tool for people to express themselves and to encourage free thought. He was aware that art was a power that enriched the souls of individuals while bringing society together.

Today, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, we cannot deny the values that art has added to this country. 

Art is a part of our cultural heritage, and it is our responsibility to pass this heritage on to future generations. 

Atatürk's legacy is not only independence and modernization, but also the creation of a society that shows the Republic of Türkiye is a society capable of producing universal art.

In the 100th year of Türkiye, remembering this commitment to art and carrying it into the future will further increase the value of our republic in the coming century. 

Art builds bridges from the past to the future, unites differences, and touches people's hearts. 

Art is our common language and the guarantee of the future of the modern Republic of Türkiye. 

Levent Köylü

06.10.2023