Mehmet Akif Ersoy says in Safahat, “Once upon a time, we were a nation, and what a nation we were: We came and taught the world what nationality is!”.
Our country is a country that was founded upon a huge and glorious Ottoman legacy, with great losses, wars and losses, and has been enlarged by making unparalleled sacrifices in the economic, political and military fields for decades. Our country, which strives to survive and develop with a sense of responsibility while its environment is becoming increasingly unstable, has had to face many difficulties throughout history. Our country, which was shaken by internal and external attacks but never collapsed, has managed to emerge stronger from all the troubles it has experienced. Our country, which strives to produce prosperity and help the oppressed within a huge ring of fire, has undertaken a great mission in this sense. While crooked governments, corrupt orders and injustice continue, especially in Islamic countries, Turkey is a source of inspiration to all these countries and nations in this geography where hunger and luxury live together. Our country, which is the protector of almost all the people in our immediate region, acts as a port of refuge and a father’s home during global disruptions.
As the world shifts from West to East in every sense, this process will of course bring with it significant changes. In particular, Western culture, which is based on consumption and carelessness, will be replaced by the Eastern system, which is more modest, balanced and measured. Although this transformation does not occur all at once, it occurs gradually. If we look at the global GDP changes of the last decade, the footprints of this axis shift can be easily seen. Europe, which is used to growing by exploiting, will one way or another be forced to accept immigrants, who are hated by the far right, with its population aging day by day. Africa, which the West has exploited for centuries with its technical and technological superiority, will achieve a very different position in the future with the lessons learned from its past, manpower and existing underground resources. Russia will be an important element of balance in the world with its military power, energy reserves and geographical location. With China’s transition to value-added production, it will become an important power, especially as a result of its space studies being reflected in the defense and aviation fields. India will participate in this game with its young and dynamic population structure and play an active role in the East-West balance. We will be able to see that, as Latin American countries achieve internal stability, they come to the fore in many areas, especially depending on the structure of their relations with Europe. A Middle East that is tired of fighting and aware that it is wasting its energy in internal showdowns will be one of the most important players in this game, with its energy resources and young population.
When we look at the issue from a broad perspective rather than narrow domestic political windows, it can be easily seen that all doors lead to Turkey and only Turkey holds the key to these doors. Our country, which is the basin of peace in its region, should fix its future vision at the point of becoming a global center in every sense. Our nation should be aware of this and move collectively towards the goal.
History does not give countries and nations many chances. When you recognize it, it is important to use that opportunity rationally. Otherwise, it is possible to end up in a swamp and misfortune that could last for hundreds of years. We are a nation steeped in suffering, with martyrs in many parts of the world. Our determination, diligence and effort are always for the generations after us. We are working to help them reach the concept of true nation that Akif described and experience it deeply. There will come a day in history and they will take the helm of this ship. Those believing youth will pave the way for the oppressed, exhausted and exploited nations and shed light on their future.
We, as the ancient sons and brothers of this country, are the grandchildren of a nation that has achieved this. All we lack is belief and work. When we adopt this as our motto, no heedless person will be able to stand in our way. As long as we know how to protect our faith and unity.
Gıyasettin Eyyüpkoca
