Remembering Atatürk on November 10, 2016

November 10 is a day of remembrance for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye.

In 2016, Türkiye has experienced a difficult and intense year. Moments of national strain make reflection on institutions, citizenship, law, education, and democratic responsibility especially meaningful.

Atatürk’s legacy emerged from another period of extraordinary uncertainty. He believed that national independence needed more than military success. It also required institutions, education, economic development, scientific thinking, and a shared sense of civic responsibility.

That is why November 10 should not be only ceremonial.

At 09:05, the country becomes silent.

In that silence, we remember not only a leader, but also the difficult work of building and maintaining a modern state.