Bahçeli's 10 November message: Safeguarding the Republic

Marking the 88th anniversary of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s death in his 10 November message, MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli said safeguarding the Republic was the fundamental duty of future generations. Bahçeli said commemorating Atatürk would gain meaning through preserving his legacy and considering his ideas in light of contemporary realities.

Key points from the message

Bahçeli remembered Atatürk with respect and gratitude and prayed for mercy upon him.
He called for Atatürk’s founding philosophy and core principles to remain central to activities.
He said Türkiye’s historical experience and geopolitical position should be combined with scientific and technological advances.

How did Bahçeli interpret Atatürk’s legacy?

Bahçeli described upholding Atatürk’s legacy as a responsibility that goes beyond commemoration. In his message, he advocated interpreting and developing Atatürk’s ideas in contemporary conditions and using them as a foundation for policies that meet the needs of the times. He linked this approach to understanding political, social, cultural and economic developments accurately and strengthening the resolve of the state and nation to endure.

According to NTV’s report sourced from Anadolu Ajansı, Bahçeli expressed this view in the following words:

“The right way to keep Atatürk alive is to uphold his work and develop his ideas by interpreting them in light of contemporary realities. This is possible by making them the foundation of policies suited to the spirit of the times.”

A responsibility for future generations

The message’s appeal to future generations focused on safeguarding the Republic. Recalling Atatürk’s words, “My greatest work is the Republic,” Bahçeli described protecting it as the fundamental duty of future generations.

Discussing this legacy, Bahçeli highlighted both Atatürk’s military achievements and the reforms he introduced after the Republic was founded. He considered both aspects of Atatürk’s statesmanship and recalled his goal of bringing the Turkish nation to the level of contemporary civilization.

Emphasis on strategic strength through science and technology

The message also addressed Türkiye’s historical experience and geopolitical position. Bahçeli said these should be combined with scientific and technological advances and transformed into strategic strength.