ATATÜRK and TURKISH YOUTH

XIX. century and XX. At the beginning of the century, the Ottoman Empire was greatly weakened, defeated in most of the wars it entered, and as a result, some parts of the country were occupied or some parts were about to be separated. The state has lost its economic, financial and political independence to a large extent and has almost become a semi-colonial state. It was in this environment that Mustafa Kemal Pasha grew up. Mustafa Kemal realized his historical responsibility at a very young age to change the bad fate of the country. While he was a military high school student in Manastır, he even published a handwritten, secret school newspaper to be read among the youth in order to tell his friends about the problems in the administration and politics of the country and to spread his thoughts and views on this matter. While he was in the War Academy years, he saw that the Ottoman Empire had no hope of salvation. For this reason, he did not deal with superficial works to save the empire, like the Ottoman reformers. Its aim is to establish an independent, strong, modern, energetic and modern Turkish state based on the Turkish nation, which has an unshakable and eternal belief.

As it is known, the Ottoman Empire was defeated in the First World War together with its allies, despite the Çanakkale Victory, which it won at the expense of the Turkish nation's blood and lives, or its successes on the Eastern Front. With the Armistice of Mudros signed on October 30, 1918, the Ottoman Government surrendered to the Allied Powers “unconditionally and unconditionally”.1 During the long years of the Great War, our nation became tired and impoverished. Those who dragged our state and our nation to war have fled from our country, worried about their own lives. The Sultan and the Government in Istanbul fell into a powerless state and came under the control of the victors. Their existence is just words. The Ottoman Empire has now lost its "stateness" feature. The Allies took their weapons and ammunition from our army, the enemies invaded our country, Christian elements in our country have increased their activities to achieve their own ambitions, with the church and other organizations, for the collapse of the state as soon as possible. In this environment of darkness and despair, the inexhaustible source of faith for Mustafa Kemal Pasha is the deep love of nation that covers his heart and the endless trust he has in the Turkish youth. Even in the days when the First World War had disastrous results, the most ardent patriots were powerless and their hopes were dashed, he did not lose his belief that the Turkish Nation and Turkish youth would succeed. The oldest document describing Atatürk's views on Turkish youth is what he wrote in his own handwriting on a photograph in May 1918. Here, Ataturk

“Despite everything, we are definitely walking towards a light. The strength that keeps this imam alive in me is not only my endless love for my beloved country and nation; It is because I see a youth trying to sprinkle and seek light with the love of the homeland and truth, in the darkness, immorality and charlatanism of today.” 3

With Kemalism, trust in Turkish youth is endless and Turkish youth is proud. As a matter of fact, at the beginning of the National Struggle, Atatürk saw and felt that future generations would take on great responsibilities, make his work a leader, keep it alive and not be forgotten, and that the youth are the hope of the future. In 1919, when everyone lost hope and worried about the future:

“Everything is forgotten anyway. But we will leave everything to the youth. That youth who will not forget anything, they are the hope of the future, the bright flowers. All of my hope is in the youth." He clearly stated this point.4 Prof. Dr. According to a memoir of Afet Inan, after Atatürk finished his long document collection and tiring writing work, he said to his close friends: "Listen to me now," and read the "Affair to the Youth" in a very emotional way. When he finished reading, his gaze plunged into the depths of the Ankara plain, and a few drops of tears fell from his eyes, an expression of his trust and love for the Turkish youth.5

On the same evening to his friends:

“We wrote history as we lived it, but it is necessary to entrust the future to those who believe, protect and keep the Republic alive”6.

Atatürk, who trusts and believes in the youth so much, after establishing the Turkish Republic and achieving his great reforms, he presented the 19 May 1919 day, when he set foot on Anatolian lands in Samsun to start the national struggle, as the “Youth and Sports Day” to the youth. He declared the anthem "The Mountain Head Has Been Smoke", which he sang enthusiastically while passing from Istanbul to Havza, as the "Youth March". The Turkish youth, who already supported the National Struggle, deserved such a glorious holiday and a meaningful anthem with their work, self-sacrifice, and contemporary thinking.8

Atatürk, undoubtedly, was attached to the medical student Hikmet, who opposed those who defended the mandate administration at the Sivas Congress, and to the Turkish youth, whose national feelings were strong, with a sense of endless trust. In the environment where the idea of ​​the mandate was defended with warm words at the Sivas Congress, even when it was adopted by some of Mustafa Kemal Pasha's closest friends, a young military medical student named Hikmet in Istanbul took the floor in the congress hall and said with an enthusiastic voice as if the fire and excitement had died down. He gave the following speech:

“Pasha! The medical professionals that I am the executive of sent me here to participate in the work to achieve our independence cause. I can't accept the buffalo. If there are those who will accept it, whoever they may be, we strongly reject and condemn it. If you even accept the idea of ​​a fard-i muhal mandate, we will reject you, call Mustafa Kemal (not the savior of the homeland, but the west of the homeland) and we will tell you..."

Upon this speech, which sets a guide and example for those who have lost hope, and which indicates the national enthusiasm and national spirit, those present at the congress were moved and could not hold back their tears. Mustafa Kemal Pasha was also very touched and replied with the same enthusiasm:

“Friends, look at the youth, pay attention to the expression of the noble blood in the Turkish Nation”. Meanwhile, Pasha turned to Hikmet Bey and said:

“Son, be happy. I am proud of youth and I trust youth. Even if we remain under the rule, we will not accept the mandate. Our password is unique and unchangeable: Either Istiklal or Death”.

Hikmet Bey jumped out of his seat and said, "Varol Pasha." He kissed Mustafa Kemal Pasha's hand with his words. Mustafa Kemal Pasha, who, like the Turkish youth, always supported advanced and revolutionary ideas and attended the congress with his medical uniform, kissed him on the forehead and said:

“Young people, all the hope and future of the country is tied to you, to the understanding and energy of the younger generations.”9 Even this event is a sufficient example to explain where Atatürk's confidence in Turkish youth came from.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, above all, was aware that youth means dynamism. This is why, while choosing his staff in the National Struggle, he especially focused on young people, gave weight to young people in his staff, and also benefited from young-minded writers. He discussed the issue of the liberation of the country with the youth and young-minded people in his cadre, which he formed with a method open to dialogue, and formed and evaluated a contemporary synthesis of their different ideas.10 In fact, Mustafa Kemal and the leaders at the forefront of the National Struggle were also considered young. Because when Mustafa Kemal Pasha landed in Samsun, he was young compared to the ranks he had reached and the great responsibility he had, he was only 38 years old. Above all, he was young with his way of thinking, enthusiasm and energy.

Atatürk's intellectual friends in Amasya (Rauf Orbay, Refet Bele), and those who waged the National Struggle from the first day (Kâzım Karabekir, Ali Fuad Cebesoy and others) were all young people aged 37-38. İsmet İnönü, who would later serve as the Commander of the Western Front and the Lausanne Chief Delegate, was younger than them. The majority of the commanders, who were at the head of the large units in the field battles, had not reached the age of 40. The majority of the intellectuals and writers who supported our National Struggle with their pens as well as with their weapons were from this young generation. Most of the patriotic pen holders such as Falih Rıfkı (Atay), Yakup Kadri (Karaosmanoğlu), Ruşen Eşref (Ünaydın), Yahya Kemal (Beyatlı) were young people aged 25-30.12

This "golden belt" He experienced the Second Constitutional Monarchy and the various crises that followed it, experienced the disasters of the Balkan Wars with the defeat in the Tripoli War, passed through the fire circle of the First World War and learned the necessary lessons from them, his heart was burned by the pain of his country, he gained great experience and matured at a young age.13

Great Atatürk, who proclaimed the Republic at the age of 42, made the hat and clothing reforms at the age of 44, and introduced the new Turkish alphabet at the age of 48, was young in every age of his life due to his innovation in thought and the freshness of energy in his soul. According to him, the measure of being young is not only age, but also belief and commitment to the principles he has set and the revolutions he has achieved. For example, in a meeting Atatürk asked, “What is youth?” asked the question. After various answers were given, he described the Turkish youth as follows:

“The youth I understand are those who can adopt the ideas and ideologies of the Turkish Revolution and pass them on to future generations. In my opinion, a twenty-year-old bigot is an old man, and a seventy-year-old idealist is a fresh-hearted youth. Here is the Turkish young man I understand.” 14

Atatürk stated that the concept of youth, in general, includes a certain age range, but also sometimes means being idealist by exceeding its biological meaning. Atatürk used the expression “Young minded means a real minded person who sees and understands the truth” l5 to explain this meaning. Therefore, in Atatürk's statements about Turkish youth, the word youth should not be limited to those of a certain age group. In a broader sense, it is necessary to understand a youth of ideas, an ideal youth, those who adhere to Atatürk's principles and reforms, and those who are determined to maintain the Republic forever.

Despite the negativities in the country, Mustafa Kemal Pasha started the National Struggle, continued and made it successful, relying on the young army and young intellectuals that emerged from the heart of the Turkish nation. Without hesitation, he entrusted the Republic he founded to the Turkish youth, to whom he had an unwavering trust and belief. In a speech to the children who will be the youth of the future, who greeted him in Bursa on October 17, 1922, he addressed the following:

“Little ladies, little gentlemen!

You are all a rose, a star, a nûr (light of happiness) of your horse. You are the one who will make the country shine. Considering how important and valuable you are, work accordingly. We expect a lot from you; girls, boys!” 16

It is of great importance that Atatürk finishes his two great speeches by addressing the Turkish youth. The first of these is the historical speech he delivered on 30 August 1924, on the second anniversary of the Great Victory, in Dumlupınar, in the area where the Battle of the Commander-in-Chief was won. In this concise speech, which is a masterpiece of oratory, Atatürk talked about the War of Independence, which ended in victory, stated that the new war that must be won is the war of civilization, and said, "I want to direct my last words to the youth of our country in particular"17, speaking to his confidence in the youth, to the youth of the Republic, which was founded with great self-sacrifice. He concluded with the following words that he was sure that they would make the state perpetual by glorifying it and helping the state reach the desired goals:

"Youth!

You are the one who strengthens and maintains your courage. With the upbringing and wisdom you are receiving, you will be the most precious example of human virtue, patriotism, and freedom of thought.

O rising new generation! future is yours. »We established the Republic; It is you who will (raise) and maintain (continue) it.”18

The second is the Great Speech. Atatürk recited the Great Speech for 36 hours in 6 days at the Republican People's Party congress in 1927. Here, he documented all the military, political and other aspects of the Epic of the National Struggle. He explained how a great empire collapsed, how the young Republic of Turkey was born from its wreckage, and explained the aims of the Turkish Revolution and the modernization movement. In Nutuk:

“The result we are at today is the awakening of the national calamities that have been suffered for centuries and the price of the blood that watered every corner of this holy homeland. I entrust this result to the Turkish youth as a gift.” 19, he stated that the result achieved, namely the establishment of the independent Republic of Turkey, an awakening against the national disasters suffered for centuries, a great struggle, the cost of watering every corner of our beloved homeland with the holy blood of our martyrs, and that he entrusted this result to the Turkish youth as a gift. In the continuation of these words and at the end of the Great Speech, Atatürk's Address to the Turkish Youth takes place. Here, the independence obtained with the National Struggle, the honor and responsibility of protecting and defending the Republic of Turkey, which is the symbol of this independence, has been left to the Turkish youth. Ataturk,

“O Turkish Youth! Your first duty is to preserve and defend the Turkish independence, the Turkish Republic, forever.

This is the very foundation of your existence and your future. This foundation is your most precious treasure. Even in the future, there will be people who want to deprive you of this treasure, internally and externally, evil-doers. One day, if you have to defend your independence and the republic, you will not think about the possibilities and conditions of the situation you will be in, in order to take office! This possibility and circumstance may manifest in a very unfortunate nature, and the enemies who will attack the independence and the republic may be the representatives of an unprecedented victory in the whole world. By force and deceit, all the castles of the holy homeland may have been captured, all its shipyards may have been entered, all its armies may have dispersed, and every corner of the country may have been occupied. Worse and more serious than all these conditions, within your country, Those who have power can be heedless, astray, and even treacherous. In fact, these rulers may unite their personal interests with the political ambitions of the invaders (invaders). The nation may be devastated and exhausted due to poverty.

O son of the Turkish future! At work; Even in these circumstances and circumstances, your duty is; To save the Turkish independence and the Republic! The power you need is in the noble blood in your veins!20

As can be seen, the situation and the picture that Atatürk described while addressing the Turkish youth is the dark scene that emerged with the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the First World War. In the address, he states that these dark days have been transformed into enlightenment with the power taken from the Turkish Nation, and that the Turkish youth has the power to ensure that this enlightenment remains permanent and to bring the Turkish nation to a better tomorrow. However, Atatürk rightly gives some warnings for the future here. So much so that internal and external forces that always want to destroy the Turkish independence and the Republic may emerge, that important institutions and organizations of our dear homeland may be seized by force and deceit, that even all parts of our country may be actively occupied, that those in power will be negligent and misguided. It reminds them that they may even commit treachery, or that the personal interests of some officials may be combined with the political ambitions of the enemies. In addition, it clearly states that the most important duty of the Turkish youth, even in this situation and in more difficult conditions, is to protect and defend the Turkish independence and the Republic forever. On the other hand, while expressing that the power necessary to preserve and defend the Republic of Turkey forever is in the noble blood in the veins of the Turkish youth, he demonstrated his unwavering belief in the Turkish youth and the power of the Turkish nation coming from the historical depths as an example of great oratory. It clearly states that the most important duty of the Turkish youth is to protect and defend the Turkish independence and the Republic forever. On the other hand, while expressing that the power necessary to preserve and defend the Republic of Turkey forever is in the noble blood in the veins of the Turkish youth, he demonstrated his unwavering belief in the Turkish youth and the power of the Turkish nation coming from the historical depths as an example of great oratory. It clearly states that the most important duty of the Turkish youth is to protect and defend the Turkish independence and the Republic forever. On the other hand, while expressing that the power necessary to preserve and defend the Republic of Turkey forever is in the noble blood in the veins of the Turkish youth, he demonstrated his unwavering belief in the Turkish youth and the power of the Turkish nation coming from the historical depths as an example of great oratory.

Issues such as the increase in various harmful activities carried out against our state in recent years, the escalation of the cold and hot wars, the unrest in our region, and the fact that Atatürk, the Turkish youth, should be vigilant against foreign enemies and even those who are heedless, deceitful and treacherous in our country, national unity and treason. While stating that our togetherness is of the utmost importance, he once again confirms how right he is. Therefore, Atatürk's address to the youth does not only cover a certain period of time in the past. It is a living document that is valid for today and for the future and that the whole Turkish nation should learn from.

For the questions such as “Why did Atatürk give such important duties as the protection of the republic and our independence to the Turkish youth or why did he attribute his speech to the youth”: “In Atatürk's eyes, the Turkish youth is the “dynamic segment” of the nation, its “future”, its “fresh strength”, "noble blood", "juice", "source of life". Youth is idealistic, does not seek profit, always seeks the good, the beautiful, the truth, stands by the right and the truth, is open-minded, frank, honest and constructive. 21 answers can be given. In addition, Atatürk knows the Turkish youth closely and knows their patriotism very well. That youth He sprinkled their blood in Tripoli, the Balkans, Yemen and many other places. In many parts of Anatolia, the country has tasted the pleasure of sleeping in the lap of the mother. With this important feature, Atatürk knows that the Turkish youth will protect their homeland and nation forever and at any cost.

According to Atatürk, national education is as important as the war of independence. He proved this in the days when the Greeks attacked towards Ankara via Kütahya-Eskişehir. When the enemy attacked with all his might, he started the national education campaign in Ankara between 16-21 July 1921. With this move, he not only showed the importance he gave to education, but also gave the image to the domestic and foreign public that he was sure that the Turkish army would succeed. This is a move that no country has done in the history of the world, and that no statesman has dared to think about. In those dangerous days, on 16 July 1921, while opening the Education Congress in Ankara, Atatürk expressed his thoughts as follows:

"... Although today we have to exploit (use) our material, spiritual and resourceful strength (our strength resources) against the enemies who are invaded in our countries within our borders, what can be allocated for the land of knowledge is the future. It is not enough to establish a foundation that will be a means of resilience to our education. However, even in the days of struggle (days of struggle), a national education program that will be processed and drawn with the perfect care and care will be brought to the body. We must strive to devise the principles that will enable our educational organization to operate with a fruitful (resulting) activity from today...” 22

He then addressed the teachers as follows:

“I have no doubt that your delegation, which undertakes the sacred duty of educating our nation, will take into account today's situation and will walk on this path very confidently, with iqtiham (breast-lifting) for every needy person. Your task is very important and vital. I wish you success in this, from Allah Almighty." 23

The principle that the education system is based on the principle of nationality is one of Atatürk's main goals. Therefore, in the opening speech of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on March 1, 1924, Atatürk gave the instruction to determine the education system with a national policy in all respects, with the following words:

“It is necessary to express and implement Turkey's education and training policy at every level, with full clarity and without any hesitation. This policy, in every sense, must be stated in a national character.” 24

In another speech he added:

“Our national morality must be nourished and reinforced by civilized principles and free ideas. This is very important.” (1925)

“Unless a nation has an army of wisdom, no matter how brilliant victories it achieves on the battlefields, it is only with the army of wisdom that those victories will yield solid results” (24 March 1923).25

The Great Leader Atatürk gave importance to education and educators throughout his life, saw teachers as the closest assistant to him in the establishment of the new Turkey, and glorified teachers and the teaching profession at every opportunity. In his speeches addressed to teachers, Atatürk emphasized in detail the duties of republican teachers, who will raise new generations. For example, Atatürk explained to the members participating in the Teachers' Union Congress gathered in Ankara on August 25, 1924, that the most important task in shaping the new Turkey and raising the new generations fell to the teachers with the following words:

"Teachers,

You will raise the new generation, devoted teachers and tutors of the Republic. New generation will be your craft. The value of the work will be found in proportion to the degree of your skill and sacrifice. Republic; He wants guards who are mentally, wise, physically strong and of high quality. It is in your hands to raise the new generation with this quality and ability. I have no doubt that you will have a great presence in the performance of your honorable duty.” 26

As can be seen, with Kemalism, youth has an important place in terms of raising the youth, securing the future of the state and realizing the national ideal. Because the creation of a hardworking and patriotic youth who is moral, cultured, concerned with the affairs of the country, representing the national character, has been Atatürk's goal. He said, “A clean generation is growing from the heart of the nation. I'll leave this work to him and I won't be left behind." When he said that, he meant this youth.27

According to Atatürk, the age of youth is not an age of negative and unproductive exuberance. It is the age to work with an unyielding determination and enthusiasm, with vitality, for the nation to have a better tomorrow. In his eyes, the Turkish youth is a dynamic force that has adopted the rational and scientific method, prioritized national interests, defended the Turkish Revolution and the Principles of the Republic, and struggled to keep it alive. While expressing his belief in Turkish youth in the Great Speech, he also touches upon these issues. Turkish youth will not deviate from the rational path of Kemalism, and will not deviate from irrational movements and foreign ideologies. He will never forget that "science and science" is the most real guide for everything in the world, for civilization, for life. Atatürk said, “The truest guide in life is science. He wanted young people to progress on the path of science and science and to take this as their guide. His words at the same time prove the necessity of social and natural sciences, which are the most important elements in the solution of national issues. 28

While Atatürk strongly recommends that young people gain knowledge, rise to the level of modern states in science, science and technology, and even surpass them, he also emphasized that he attaches importance to national character, national traditions, feeling of Turkishness, unity of ideals, country integrity, national unity and solidarity:

“The most valuable asset of a country is national unity, good living and hard work, maturity of feelings and abilities among its citizens... For this reason, national unity, national feeling, national culture are the ideals that we look forward to in the administration and protection of the Turkish Nation.”29

While addressing the teachers in Bursa on October 27, 1922, Atatürk reminded once again that national unity should be ensured by eliminating class, gender and cultural differences:

“Ladies, Gentlemen!

We should definitely know that nations that live in two parts are weak, afflicted (diseased).”30

Atatürk planned to educate the youth in a way that they can get to know the enemies that surround the country from all four sides, even from far away, try to break up its existence and integrity, and infiltrate the country today, as it was yesterday, to neutralize them with their own weapons, and to carry out the struggle on the international platform. Despite being open to the science, science and technology of the West, Atatürk drew attention to the greedy ambitions of our close neighbors, rejected all foreign ideologies or organizations managed from abroad throughout his life, and to the political, economic and military domination, mandate, leadership of the USA like European states. He never denied his allegations. He opposed the foreigners' desire to have a say over the country. Tolerance, indifference,

“When we talk about the national education program, we are talking about the superstitions (superstitions) of the old times and foreign ideas that have nothing to do with our natural values ​​(the features in our creation), completely free from the influence that can come from the east and the west, and in accordance with our national character and history. I mean a culture that is appropriate. Because the complete development of our national genius can only be achieved through such a culture. A laalettay (random) foreign culture may repeat the destructive results of foreign cultures followed so far. Culture (haresât-ı Fikiryye) is related to the ground. That ground is the character of the nation.” 31

Determined, determined, undeterred and extremely sensitive to the interests of the country, Atatürk, in his speech on March 20, 1923, in Konya Turkish Hearth, if we want the world to show respect to us, we must first protect our own identity and nationality, not form friendships with those who are hostile to our national existence, and protect our national identity. He stated with the following words:

“... If we want the world to show respect to us, first of all, let's show this respect to ourselves and our nationality with all our actions and actions; Let us know that the nations that do not find their national identity are the prey of other nations.

Let's not be friends with those who are hostile to our national existence. As a Turkish poet said against such people,

(pointing to the sign on the opposite wall)

Let's say, "I am a Turk and my enemy is a person, even if I stay." The day we express this truth to our enemies, the day we consider every individual who looks sideways at our opinion, our ideal, and our future as an enemy, every hand that can reach our national self is violently broken, every obstacle that will stand in front of the nation. The day we overthrow it immediately, we will reach the true salvation.

“There is no doubt, my friends, that the nation will not let anyone violate the hope of life (life principles) that he finally achieved, at the cost of many sacrifices and many blood. The nature and wisdom of today's government, parliament, laws and the Organization Esâsiye (Constitution) are all like this.

Let me tell you a word about it. If there is no law to ensure this, if there is no parliament to ensure this, if everyone withdraws in the face of those who take such negative steps and I am left alone, I will kill again and again.” 32

The Turkish Nation has traveled long distances and overcame many great obstacles in order to reach the lofty goal set by Atatürk. Today's Turkey of 70 million has greatly advanced incomparably from the Turkey of 10-12 million in the 1920s. However, we have not yet reached the goal that Atatürk adopted as a national ideal. In order to achieve this goal, Kemalism envisages that young people should be brought up in a national spirit, depending on Atatürk's Revolution and Principles, as well as their scientific education. The education that the youth will acquire, first of all, will be in line with national morality, will be equipped with spiritual qualities, will be reinforced by independence, love of homeland and nation, will be based on a solid family structure, and will ensure national unity and solidarity. Considering the protection of the Republic from internal and external dangers as the greatest duty, to be united with these feelings, It is one of the basic characteristics of the Atatürkist youth. 33 Atatürk, by demanding that these issues be complied with at every level of the education and training system, gives the following directives to the teachers who will train young people:

“While our children and young people are being brought up, we need to fight against all kinds of foreign anachrony (elements) that conflict with their existence, right, and unity, and we must fight against all odds (with great maturity) with the perfection of the nationalist sentiment. The necessity of defending the idea with violence and self-sacrifice should be inculcated. It is important to instill (infuse) this quality (feature) and ability to all the spiritual strength (spiritual power) of the new generation. The philosophy of life (philosophy of life of nations), which manifests (appears) in the form of a permanent and great struggle (struggle), demands this quality (feature) with perfection (with great desire) for every nation that wants to remain independent and happy. ” 34

According to Atatürk, Turkish youth should learn "first and foremost, regardless of the limit of their education", the necessity of fighting against the dangers posing to the integrity, independence and national traditions of the Turkish nation. For this, the most important basic spiritual elements on which it will depend. Among the spiritual elements are patriotism, love of the nation, love of the flag, working, loving the elders, helping the needy, etc. matters are included. On this subject, Atatürk said:

“Sirs!

Our children and young people, who will grow up, should be taught first and foremost that it is necessary to fight against all anasir (elements) that are hostile to Turkey's independence, its own identity, its national traditions (applause). According to the international situation, there is no life and independence for individuals who are not equipped with the basic spirit (according to the international situation in the world, possessing the spiritual elements required by such a struggle) and societies with ink from such individuals.”

“Understanding Atatürk, living and keeping him alive can only be achieved by walking in national unity and solidarity on the path he pointed out. Throughout the years, Atatürk and Kemalism were tried to be forgotten by our internal and external enemies, and they were tried to be diverted from their real goals. To the extent that they were successful in this, they wanted to place foreign ideologies that caused great harm to our country and our nation. We believe that our young people, who have lived through these painful experiences, have learned the necessary lessons from the past, more experienced and more consciously than ever before. Our young people will find the strength in themselves to resist all kinds of divisive and destructive currents, as long as they can understand Atatürk and comprehend his thought system in all its dimensions.

Our youth today, more than ever, have to fulfill Atatürk's directives. Because they should always remember that the Turkish nation overcame great impossibilities during the National Struggle and the following years, and overcame various obstacles and achieved success by overcoming bad luck. Turkish youth should never forget the harsh judgments of Mondros and Sevr, which refer to Turkish life and Turkish independence. Youth should determine the place and importance of the Kemalism movement in the historical, socio-cultural, economic, political and legal development of Turkish society. It should stay away from all kinds of rigid dogmas, outdated doctrinal ideas and foreign ideologies and embrace the true understanding of Kemalism.36

Our Republic was established under the leadership of Atatürk and his friends, with the great efforts and sacrifices of the Turkish nation. But those who will raise it and continue it are the new generations. They should keep the moral trust left to them alive and follow it forever in the face of all kinds of difficulties. Turkish youth should follow the path of Atatürk. Thus, Turkish youth will be the most valuable example of human virtue and patriotism. That's why Atatürk addressed the youth in Bursa, who "promised tirelessly to follow the path of their Great Leader", excitedly and happily.

"You say you will follow me tirelessly. But friends say, what fatigue? Is it okay not to get tired? Of course you will be tired. What I want from you is not to get tired, but to walk without stopping even when you are tired, and to follow me without resting when you are tired. Tiredness is a natural state for every human being. However, there is a spiritual force in man that can overcome fatigue, and this force drives those who are tired without resting. You, the young children of the new Turkey, will follow me even if you get tired. I came here tonight to tell you about it. Those who decide to walk without resting, never and never get tired. Turkish youth will walk tirelessly to the goal, to our ideal. We will be happy to see that too.” 37

Such a youth befits a great leader and great Turkish nation like Atatürk, and such a selfless youth and honorable Turkish nation, a great statesman like Atatürk.

“The purpose is not for us to live, the purpose is for the nation to live.” Atatürk, who said, was not content with just keeping Turkishness alive, he fought for his ideas until he died as a great reformer. Thanks to his principles and reforms, Turkishness has gained a new impetus to continue its existence in the future. The representatives of this power will be Turkish youth in every period. As our youth evaluate Atatürk with what he did, understand his thoughts and principles and apply them, as Atatürk pointed out, the goal of “raising our existence as the most civilized and prosperous nation” and “raising our national culture above the level of civilized nations”38 will be achieved.

1 Fahri Belen, Turkish War of Independence, Ankara 1983, p. 16-17.

2 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Speech, C. I, Turkish Revolution History Institute, Istanbul 1981, p. 1-2.

3 Cem'i Demiroğlu, “Atatürk and Youth”, Journal of Atatürk Research Center, Vol. II, Issue: 6, Ankara, July 1986, p. 603; Utkan Kocatürk, Atatürk's Ideas and Thoughts, III. Press, Ankara 1984, p. 162; Akın tikin, “Atatürk and Youth”, t.Ü. Ataturk's Tics and Revolution History Yearbook I, Istanbul August 1986, p. 94.

4 Chief of General Staff, Kemalism-Ataturkist Thought System, 3rd Edition, National Education Press, Istanbul 1984, p. 164.

5 Burhan Göksel, “Atatürk's Views on Education”, Atatürk Research Center Journal, C. I, Issue: 3, Ankara 1985, p. 949.

6 Akın tikin, “Atatürk and Youth”, T.Ü. Ataturk's Principles and Revolution History Institute Yearbook I, Istanbul 1986, p. 95.

7 Utkan Kocatürk, “The Concept of 'Youth' in Atatürk and the Characteristics of Atatürkist Youth”, Atatürkist Thought, Atatürk Research Center, Ankara 1992, p. 877.

8 Vehbi Tanfer, “Atatürk and Turkish Youth”, Journal of Atatürk Research Center, Vol. 6, Issue: 18, Ankara July 1990, p. 698; Niyazi Ahmet Banoğlu, Atatürk with Wisdom, Anecdotes and Lines, Book One, Istanbul 1954, p. 89.

9 Vehbi Cem Askun, Sivas Congress, 2nd Edition, Istanbul 1963, p. 143; Mahmut Goloğlu, Third Constitutional Monarchy, Ankara 1970, p. XI-XII; Mazhar Müfit Kansu, Together with Atatürk From Erzurum Until His Death, C. I, TTK Publication, Ankara 1966, p. 248; Vehbi Tanfer, agm, p. 699-700.

10 Vehbi Tanfer, Agm, p. 700.

11 Önder Göçgün, “Atatürk and Youth”, Turkish Language, Issue: 401, Ankara May 1985. p. 440.

12 Turhan Feyzioğlu, “Atatürk and Youth”, Atatürkist Thought, Atatürk Research Center, Ankara 1992, p. 868-869.

13 Turhan Feyzioğlu, Agm, p. 869.

14 Utkan Kocaturk, Ibid., p. 165; Same author, Agm, p. 877-878; Vehbi Tanfer, Agm. s. 704.

15 Utkan Kocaturk, Ibid., p. 7.

16 Atatürk's Speeches and Statements, Vol. II, p. 45-46; Vehbi Tanfer, Agm, p. 700.

17 Turhan Feyzioğlu, Agm, p. 870-871.

18 Atatürk's Speeches and Statements, Vol. II, p. 188; Vehbi Tanfer, Agm, p. 700; Akin tikin, Agm, p. 95, 97.

19 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Speech, C. II, Turkish Revolution History Institute, Istanbul 1981, p. 897.

20 Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Ibid., p. 897-898.

21 Turhan Feyzioğlu, Ibid., p. 872.

22 Discourses and Statements, C. II, p. 19.

23 Hâkimiyet-i Milliye, interview on 21 July 1921; Discourses and Statements, C. II, p. 21; Azmi Süslü, Atatürk and Youth, Ankara 1986, p. 10.

24 Kemay Aytaç, “Atatürk's View on Education”, Kemalism (Book II), Ankara 1983, p. 109.

25 Azmi Süslü, Ibid., p. 10.

26 Galip Karagözoğlu, “The Role and Place of Education in the Settlement and Realization of Atatürk's Revolution”, Kemalism (Book II), Ankara 1983, p. 131; Kemal Aytac, Agm, p. 111-112.

27 Chief of General Staff, Kemalism..., p. 161.

28 Vehbi Tanfer, Agm, p. 702.

29 Hurşit Ertuğrul, “Atatürkism is a Universal Dimensional Thought System”, Atatürk Week Gift, Atatürk Series, Issue: 23, Ankara 10 November 1990, p. 2.

30 Kemal Aytac, Agm, p. 108.

31 Azmi Süslü, Ibid., Ankara 1986, p. 9-10.

32 Hakimiyetti Milliye, interview published on March 26, 1923; Discourses and Statements, C. II, p. 147, 150; Azmi Süslü, Age, p. 11-12.

33 Hursit Ertugrul, Agm, p. 2.

34 Atatürk's Speeches and Statements, Vol. II, p. 20; Chief of General Staff, Kemalism..., p. 162; Saim Sakaoğlu, “Cultural Problems of Turkish Youth and Atatürk”, Atatürk Youth and Culture, Konya 1990, p. 19.

35 Atatürk's Speeches and Statements, C. I, p. 246; Fethi Naci, “Education, Teachers and Youth”, Atatürk's Basic Views, 6th Edition, Istanbul 1989, p. 98.

36 Vehbi Tanfer, Agm, p. 703.

37 Vehbi Tanfer, Agm, p. 704.

38 Cem'i Demiroğlu, Agm, p. 605-606.

Assoc. Dr. Ilker Alp *

* Lecturer of Trakya University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of History

Kaynak: ATATÜRK ARAŞTIRMA MERKEZİ DERGİSİ, Sayı 38, Cilt: XIII, Temmuz 1997