The Sustainable Legacy of the Republic
The Republic of Turkey, declared on October 29, 1923, as a nation rose from its ashes, was the beginning not only of a form of government but also of a social transformation.
The Republic laid the foundation for modernization, equal opportunity in education, enlightenment, and social justice. Today, re-reading this legacy from a sustainability perspective not only builds a strong bridge between the past and the future, but also demonstrates how a nation, as well as the world, can determine its own destiny under the guidance of reason.
"The truest guide in life is science," says Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Isn't this saying a fundamental principle not only of an era but of a sustainable future?
Today, the world is facing many challenges and conflicts, from the climate crisis to the energy transition, from income inequality to social justice. A closer look reveals that every step taken in the early years of the Republic pioneered sustainable development. Educational mobilizations, domestic industrial initiatives, and the inclusion of women in all areas of life laid the foundations for a sustainable society. Today, we can see that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals were adopted decades ago by our Republic, with the principles of science-based development, social equality, quality education, and gender equality.
Atatürk's vision is an early example of the "human-centered" approach that forms the essence of sustainable development. However, when we say "human-centered," this is not an act against nature; it is certainly not the disproportionate consumption or reckless exploitation of nature by humans. The goal is to establish sustainable harmony between humans and nature. Within the framework of his vision of modernization "in harmony with nature," the Atatürk Forest Farm was designed not merely as an agricultural area but as a symbol of "producing while protecting nature." In Atatürk's world, nature was not a resource to be depleted, but a living space entrusted to the future; it was a value. Indeed, the relocation of the building to prevent a tree from being cut down during the establishment of the Atatürk Forest Farm is one of the most elegant examples of this understanding.
At the founding of the Republic, Atatürk's revolutionary spirit not only broke the chains of the past but also instilled the courage to change in future generations. Today, demonstrating the same courage in areas such as combating the climate crisis, transitioning to green energy, and social equality is the way to be worthy of that legacy. Because sustainability is the inherent desire for progress within the Republic... The Republic is sustainability itself!
October 29th is not just a date; it is a holiday of renewal, questioning, and the will to build for the better. Atatürk's words, "My humble body will one day turn to dust, but the Republic of Turkey will endure forever," are the essence of this sustainable legacy. Future Leaving a livable world for future generations is the Republic's most noble duty.
The Republic is a journey of hope guided by reason, science, respect for nature, and conscience.And that hope blossoms anew every October 29th.... 

Written by: USKD Board Member Irmak Nural