Waiting for a Savior!

Nations who sleep either die or wake up as slaves! Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

We do not know what hit us, and are shocked and helpless because we did not expect such a high cost of living. Even the fanatics of the ruling party complain louder. The truth is that the economic data proved we are the people of a country that has become poorer than last year. The people of Turkey are faced with higher prices above the inflation rate every day, and these higher prices fray at the edges. In 2022, there is no middle class in Turkey; there are the rich, the richer and the poor.

The majority of the people are poor. The poor — mostly the religious section who are easily abused — is poorer today compared to last year. They are the greatest majority who support the ruling party against all odds, obey the ones who exploit religion for political gain, never raise objection but return thanks, and do with less and less. They are also the ones who do not know that they are the rightful owner of the state treasury and who are not aware of their civil rights.

The rich and the richer — or, to be more exact, the nouveau riche — are the ones who are close to the power, who are favored and supported by the power, and the ones who were poor before but have taken undeserved gains today.

There are lots of things to say about change, but nothing has changed in Turkey. At this point, millions of people who have difficult breathing cry because of the bills and are trying to survive with the cost of living. Being the most fundamental problem that makes life difficult in our country, it gets deeper and deeper each day. Of course, costliness is only one of the problems that make life difficult. There are dozens of problems waiting for solutions, such as inequality of opportunity in education, level of welfare that is hard to achieve in society, economic life, civil rights and women’s rights reforms, supremacy of law, universal principle of equality and, not to mention, justice we all crave for.

Do you have an idea why we are in such a situation when we are so close to the anniversary of our Republic?

When 2023 targets were declared, we were all enthusiastic and proud. What is the matter with these targets?

Does anyone know why this nation, which won the battle against the powerful nations of the world with a 1919 spirit, founding the Republic of Turkey, loses the war against foreign actors(!)?

The educated but unemployed young population in our country, especially the young doctors, see no future here, and move abroad. Will you stop them and tell not to go?

Do you see a future, indeed?

For example, when you voted in the previous elections, did you expect such a future?

The Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Turkish Republic, says, “If you ever find yourself in a desperate situation, don’t expect a savior. Be the savior.”

Do you feel like a savior?

In this issue, I would like to remind you some phrases of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. These phrases are not limited to what they seem to mean. When I read them, I feel more respectful and devoted to him. I hope you read them all!

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk says:

“Full independence means full independence in all areas, including natural, political, judicial, military and cultural fields.”

“If one day my words are against science, choose science.”

“Gentlemen, The Republic of Turkey cannot be a country of sheikhs, dervishes and disciples. The truest, most real order is the order of civilization. Meeting the demands of civilization is enough for being a human.”

“The real challenge and the victory to win for our women is being equipped with light, knowledge and culture, which are real virtues dressed, rather than being dressed up in appearance. I am one of those who never doubts and is absolutely sure that our honorable women will not lag behind European women, but rather be superior to them in many aspects through the light, knowledge and culture they will be equipped with.”

“Success on the path to civilization depends on modernization. It is the only way of development and progress in order to be successful in social life and economic life, as well as in scientific fields.”

“Leadership is not based on discriminating people, but integrating and keeping them together.”

“When we say ignorant, we do not mean the ones who did not receive academic education. What we mean with knowledge is to know the truth. Those who receive academic education may be highly ignorant, while those who do not even know how to write and read may be the real wise ones who see the truth.”

“Gentlemen, those who do not question are IGNORANT. The one who does not allow questioning is TYRANT.”

“We are not the enemy of anyone, we are only the enemy of those who are the enemies of humanity.”

“For everything in the world, for civilization, for life, for success, our true mentor is science.”

“Young people, you are the ones who support and sustain our courage. Thanks to the education and wisdom you receive, you will represent humanity and civilization, patriotism and freedom of thought.”

“The future is based on education built on strong foundations, while education is based on the teachers.”

“Teachers are the one and only people who save nations. A nation without teachers cannot be named as a nation.”

“Teachers! The Republic wants intellectually, scientifically, physically strong and highly qualified guards. You are the ones to educate the new generation with these qualifications and skills.”

“A nation which is lack of art and artists cannot have a full life.”

“Societies that want to live comfortably without working, getting tired and producing, first lose their dignity and then their freedom and future.”

“If the personal benefits of the ones who are in power in a nation are more superior than the duties of the homeland, then the destruction of that country is inevitable.”

“Religion, which is pure belief, cannot be abused in dirty games like politics. Religion should stay in conscience, where it belongs. Religion is a matter of conscience.”

“Secularism does not only mean the separation of religion and state affairs. It also means freedom of conscience, worship and religion for all citizens.”

“If you still wait for a leader that will save the country, it means I have not taught you anything.”