Sovereignty Belongs Unconditionally to the Nation, the Future Belongs to the Children

Sovereignty Belongs Unconditionally to the Nation, the Future Belongs to the Children

April 23rd. On one hand, we look back to the challenging yet hopeful Ankara of 1920 and the excitement of that first Parliament; on the other, we look at our children, in whose eyes we see the future of Turkey.

For us, April 23rd is far beyond a simple red-letter day on the calendar. It is the certification of a nation standing up in the center of international strategies and global balances, declaring, "I make my own decisions." Mustafa Kemal Atatürk did not settle for leaving this day only to our own children; he gifted it to all the children of the world, achieving a first in history. This universal gift is a belief that peace can be built through the pure and unifying energy of children. By placing the key to world peace in the hands of children, Atatürk drew a clear strategic route for us: focus on investing in people and the future rather than in concrete.

A child is a nation's strongest sentence, yet to be written. Every strategic step we take today, every industry we build, and every technology we develop has only one protector: our children. They are not merely the subjects of our affection; they are the true guarantee of our state's survival and our independence. A country's real strength lies in the intelligence of its inquisitive, researching, and freely dreaming children.

Dear Children,

The world is changing rapidly. It is no longer enough to just protect borders; we must protect and even develop knowledge, technology, and ideas. As the researchers, strategists, and leaders of tomorrow, you are at the very heart of this change. Never hesitate to be curious, to ask questions, and to say, "I have an idea too." Your free thought is the greatest defense line of this country.

I respectfully salute the founding will of our Republic and wish for many more celebrations where children of the whole world embrace in brotherhood and where sovereignty is truly felt by every member of the public.

Happy Holidays!