Atatürk'ün Sözleri ( Türkçe - İngilizce)

**SERDEM** · 19.07.08, 09:51

Turkish Nation
My only honorary title and my only wealth is nothing but being a member of the Turkish Nation. ( Mahmut Esat Bozkurt, Memories from the Recent Past, p. 95 )
This country was Turkish in the past, is Turkish in the present and will live as Turkish forever. 1923 ( Taha Toros, Atatürk’s Adana Visits, p. 3 )
Turk! Be Proud. Work. Trust. ( Afet İnan, About Atatürk H. B., p. 304 )
A Turk is equal to all the world. ( 1925 )
The answer to the question asked by the British Military Attache :
Tedoz, who takes pride in his parents’ blue blood, asks Atilla, who wants to conquer the Italian peninsula, before the peace talks:
“ Which noble family do you belong to? “ Atilla replies: “ I’m a son of a noble nation” My answer to your question is exactly the same! ( Ruşen Eşref Ünaydın, Atatürk; T. And D. K. H. , p. 54 )
Turkish nation is a gigantic lion. We are all tiny creatures too small to be seen stuck and finding shelter in his hair. The effective acts and movements of the lion are the effective acts and movements of the revolution. To be able to incite the lion to act and move... For us, this is the role we can be proud of. 1931 ( Asım Us, Memoirs, p. 322 )
I know western nations and all the nations in the world. I know the French, the German, the Russian and all other nations, and I came to know them on the front under fire, face to face with death. I assure you that the moral strength of Turkish nation is superior to that of all the other nations’. 1920 ( Atatürk’s S. D., p. 81 )
Turkish nation likes and appreciates everything that’s beautiful, everything that’s high, everything that’s civilized. But without a doubt, the one thing that the Turkish nation values more than anything is heroism. Surely these words will echo strongly and effectively in the ears of today’s sharp Turkish youth. I wouldn’t expect any less from the Turkish youth whose noble disposition I regard as extremely important.
We are no less than the other nations. We are brave, we are intelligent, we are hardworking, we know how to die for noble causes. ( Makbule Atadan Tells. Atatürk with witty remarks, anecdotes and drawings III, Compiled by: N. A. Banoğlu, p. 79 )
There is no “ Nation “ and “ We “, there is only the nation in whole. “ We “ and “ Nation “ are not two individual things. Let me assure you that if a nation does whatever it takes to save its existence and independence and makes every sacrifice to reach this goal, it is not possible for such a nation to be unsuccessful. It will succeed for sure. If a nation cannot succeed, then it is dead. So, as long as the nation exists and makes every necessary sacrifice, failure is not possible at all. 1919 ( Mazhar Müfit Kansu, E. O. K. With Atatürk; Vol. II, p. 346 )
If we want the world to respect us, first we must show this respect to our own personality and nationality in feelings, in thoughts and in action; we must keep in mind that the nations that couldn’t develop their own national personality can only be prey to other nations. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. 143 )
Disasters, anguish and defeats causes some effects on nations. The main one of these effects is that, after such dark days, nations wake up, remember their dignity and sense their own personalities.
We should add another one to these effects that exalt the dignity of the nations: the feeling of revenge... There should be the feeling of revenge in the heart of the nations. This is not an ordinary revenge, but the one that aims to repairing the harm done by the ones that are enemies of the nation’s life, prosperity and future. The whole world must know that it is not, and will not ever be possible for us to forgive such an enemy so long as it stands against us. Showing mercy to the enemy is weakness and inability. It is not humane, but the manifestation of the vanishing of the human character. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II. P. 117 )
The undecided, rotten mentality of the past is dead. The whole world should know that the Turkish nation is able to exhibit its rights, dignity and honor. The whole nation will stand up in one body and fight for a single foot of motherland soil. It is a mistake to think the Turkish nation hasn’t realized that any aggression against the least bit of its dignity, a handful of motherland soil is an attack against its whole presence. 1924 ( Behçet Macit, The Ghazi and His Works, p. 96 )
Those who are about to pass away and say farewell to the Turkish nation, should say ,as their last words to their children whose life will go on : “ My duties to Turkish nation, Turkish people and the future of the Turk haven’t been accomplished yet. It is now up to you to complete them. You should repeat these words to your descendants. “
These words are not the expression of an individual, but the expression of a “ Sense “ of Turkish nation. Every Turk will breathe his last breath repeatedly saying these words to his children as a password. The last breath of every Turk should show that the breath of the Turkish nation never cease and it will keep on breathing forever. Noble Turk, there is no limit to your nobility. 1935 (Atatürk'ün T.T.B. IV., S.575-76)
We have accomplished many important duties in such a short time. The most important of these duties is the Republic of Turkey, whose foundation is Turkish heroism and noble Turkish culture. We owe this success to the Turkish people and its invaluable army that have walked hand in hand in utmost determination. But we can never say what we have done so far is enough. Because we have to do more and we are determined to do so. We will bring our country to the level of the world’s most civilized and prosperous countries. We will raise our national culture beyond the level of contemporary civilization.
We will do more in shorter time. I am sure that we will succeed. Because Turkish people have a noble character. Turkish people are hardworking, Turkish people are intelligent. Because Turkish people have succeeded in overcoming difficulties by national unity and identity. And because, on the path of development and civilization, the torch in the hands and mind of Turkish people is positive science.
I must also stress that another historic quality of the Turkish nation, which is a noble society, is to appreciate and master the fine arts. For that reason, it is our national ideal to develop our nation’s noble character, untiring industriousness, natural intelligence, faith in science, affection to fine arts, sense of national unity by continuously supporting them with every imaginable means and measures.
I have no doubt at all; the great albeit forgotten cultural achievements and great civilizing talents of the Turks shall rise on the horizon of the future and of progress.
Turkish Nation,
I sincerely hope that you celebrate this grand national occasion every ten years forever with more pride. more happiness, in peace and prosperity.
What joy to he/she who says “ I’m a Turk ! “ 1933 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. 272 )
The source of inspiration for those who want to be a leader in serving the country and the nation is the sincere feelings and desires of the nation. If we ever did anything that is worth mentioning, that would be nothing but our effort to touch the presence of the nation in terms of its feelings and tendencies. We have no doubt whatsoever that the secret to any success, the true source of any power and capacity is the nation itself. 1925 ( M. E. İ. S. D. I, p.26 )
One of our friends who made a speech asked me what was the source of inspiration and power for me. The source of inspiration and power our friends inquired about is the nation itself. Some deny that a nation has a common tendency, a common view and idea. Probably you all have heard such people many times. Such people are absentminded ones who are indifferent to the country and the nation. Many disasters our country and nation had to face were undoubtedly caused by the fact that those absentminded ones had the control of the fate and the will of the country.
A community undoubtedly has a common idea. Maybe this idea cannot always be expressed, but this should never lead one to decide that such a common idea is nonexistent. It surely exists in the affairs. Our presence, all acts and accomplishments that saved our independence are nothing but the noble sign of the nation’s common idea, desire and resolution. 1925 ( Atatürk’s M. A. D., p. 22 )
We have taken our inspiration neither from the skies, nor from the invisible worlds, but directly from life itself. What draws our path are the motherland we live in, the Turkish nation we belong to and the conclusions we have drawn from the pages of the history of nations which are full of disasters and anguish. 1937 ( Atatürk’s K. A. N., p.40 )
Our nation doesn’t approve of those who think and act opposite to it’s true tendencies. Today, I am proud of this virtue. To explain how appropriate it is, I must say that our source of inspiration has always been, is and will always be the conscience of Great Turkish Nation. We believe beyond any doubt that, as long as all of our acts, power and productivity find foundation in national conscience, and as long as we are guided by the national common sense, we, as we have done so far, will carry the nation forward to the right goals. 1925 ( Atatürk’s B. N., p. 92 )
When we attempted to accomplish our great duties, our main guide and source of success was our nation’s noble common sense and capacity. This great nation always appreciate and support his sons who try and see the directions its desire and capacity lead. 1926 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. 337 )
There is no bigger reward than the Nation’s love and affection. I think I served my nation in some ways during the independence war. But I have never taken credit for any of them alone. I always say “ All that’s done is the nation’s accomplishment ” and that is the truth. We can not claim that we have done all we have to do to prove that we are the descendants of a race and a nation that formed countless civilizations in the past, for we have yet much work to do to today and tomorrow. Scientific efforts are among them. My advice to my friends is this: Let’s work hand in hand not for ourselves, but for the nation we belong to, for this is the noblest of all works. ( Muzaffer Göker, T. T. K. Belleten, Vol. 3, Issue: 10, 1939, p. 388 )
I’m proud of the fact that I have never deceived my nation with my words and actions. When I said “ I will do it “, “ We will do it “, “ We can do it “, I always believed what I said. For instance, before the Battle Of Sakarya started, I said we would drown our enemy in our country. Some supposedly important people sent word and asked me not to send the people to death in vain. They told about Rumenians, Bulgarians and Greeks and suggested that it would be best if we waited for the future to gain our independence. But keeping the capacity and faith of our nation in mind, I said “ no, we will do it “. And now, keeping our existing capacity to lead the country and the nation to prosperity, development and happiness in mind, I say “ We will do it too! “. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. 70 )
I have never been forced to go back on a promise given to the nation. While giving these promises, I was not like a fanciful poet persuing the imaginatory when giving them I trusted in talents of this nation.1923 (Atatürk'ün S.D. II, S. 123)
The Turkish nation is superior to all the other nations not only in heroism, but also in capability and aptitude. ( Yusuf Ziya Özer, T. T. K. Belleten, Vol. 3, Issue : 10, 1939, p. 287 )
Before me, it was the nation which took action to accomplish an important duty. The nation reminded me the important duty I delayed for one reason or the other and made me accomplish it. 1925 ( Mustafa Selim İmece, Atatürk’s S. D. K. And I. S., p. 44 )
My only intercessor and shelter is my nation. 1919 ( Memoirs of Reşit Pasha, p. 86 )
If this nation had not been ready to die without turning a hair for the cause and for me, I couldn’t have accomplished anything. ( Behçet Kemal Çağlar, Atatürk, Anecdotes – Memoirs, Compiled by: Kemal Arıburnu, p. 39 )
If I was a man who could be easily intimidated by difficulties, my nation would leave me alone. I’m always grateful to my nation’s goodwill. ( Afet İnan, About Atatürk H. B. P. 21 )
When necessary, I will give the Turkish nation my life as my biggest gift. ( June 1937 )
As in every phase of my life, during the days of crisis and disasters of the last years, there was not a single moment when I didn’t get the utmost pleasure in sacrificing my personal interests, my personal peace and comfort for my nation’s happiness and welfare.
The only born democrat nation among all the nations past and present in this world is the Turkish nation. ( 1937 )
Incapable minds and weak eyes can not see the truth easily. Such ones are far behind the level of great the Turkish Nation. ( 1925 )
Our nation is determined to obtain, in essence and in form, the life and means that contemporary civilization has provided to all nations. The nation is resolved not to let the efforts it makes in terms of reforms and modernization cease because of many lies and tricks as was the case in past centuries.
This nation has adopted as an absolute fact that, in the struggle at the international level, science as the means of survival and the source of power can only be found in the contemporary civilization.
As a natural and indispensable result of the alterations and reforms I mentioned, a secular governmental mentality which doesn’t change unless the mundane needs it stems from change in the nation’s general volition and in law system has been adopted by our nation as a vital principle. ( 1925 )
This great nation always appreciates and supports her sons who try and see the directions its desire and capacity lead. (1926)
There are two Mustafa Kemals. One is me, the mortal Mustafa Kemal; the other is the ideal of Mustafa Kemal which will live forever within the heart of the nation. I represent this ideal. I appeared at a moment of danger, yes, but isn’t my mother a Turk? It is the nation that is fertile, not me. ( 1935 )
The natural ability and the final resolution of the Turkish nation is to walk untiringly and unceasingly on the path of civilization. ( 1924 )
Wishing to cure terrible wounds of many millennia quickly and believing that it has found the jewel called the truth, Turkish nation consciously decided to seek liberation. The obvious fate of those who attempt to prevent it is to be stomped under the strong feet of the Turk.
I have no doubt whatsoever that our nation will show the same competence in fighting with wisdom as it did in fighting with guns. Our nation’s pure disposition is full of capability. ( 15 July 1921 )
As soon as I arrived Samsun, I examined the country and the people. I saw that the tendency of the nation would make anyone who hesitated in defending the country’s independence feel ashamed. The events that the whole world witnessed in the last two years proved that I was right and the nation had a real perseverance in its determination and faith. ( 23 April 1921 )
No victory is the goal itself. The victory is only the main means to reach a goal that is superior to it. The goal is the idea. The victory can only be as valuable as the idea it produces and serves. A victory that doesn’t produce an idea can not be lasting. Such a victory is a useless effort.
The juridical, political, economic and financial chains that held us back from the level of civilized nations have been broken... The success we reached only paved the way for progress and civilization. But we have not yet reached the progressive civilization.
Our great cause is to exalt the dignity of our presence as the most civilized and prosperous nation. This is the dynamic ideal of Great Turkish Nation that permanently revolutionized not only its institutions, but also its ideas. To reach this ideal, we must carry out the idea and the act together. In such an attempt, success is possible only through long term planning and rational work.
The National Struggle and The Turkish War of Independence
The intention and the goal of the national struggle was to provide and to maintain complete independence and unconditional sovereignty. The Nation performed the necessary actions in the context of Misak-ı Milli ( National Oath ) to win its external independence. And she also determined her line of action with The Law of Teşkilat-ı Esasiye to manage to obtain her national sovereignty. (1923 )
The objective is to keep alive the Turkish nation as a self–respecting and an honourable nation. This aim could be only provided with complete independence. A nation that has not her independence, it does not matter how to wealthy she is, could only be a manservant to the civilised humanity. Adopting a foreign state’s protection is nothing but deprivation of human quality, weakness and numbness. Those who did not fall into this vulgarity, could be never thought to bring a foreigner to their administration.
However the self–respect, belief in herself and ability of the Turkish people are very high and immense. For such a Nation it is better to disappear than survive as slave!
Consequently it is either independence or death!
We continued our war to defend our rights and independence and this is sacred for us. And I have a belief that no power could deprive a nation from its right to life. (From Atatürk’s Speech)
Whether all sides of our territory is destroyed or left in flames we will be on a hill located in our territory and defend our country. 1920
The day I went to Samsun in May of 1919 I had not any material force. I just had high spiritual strength originated from eminent Turkish Nation’s nobility and this filled my heart. Here I started my duty by this national power and I trusted them completely.
I was so sure that one day undoubtedly the sun will would shine on The Turkish horizon, the strength of this sun would warm us, we would take strength from it. I was virtually seeing this with my eyes. 1937
Our nation is so great. We do not need to be frightened. She does not accept slavery and vulgarity. (1919)
I and many of our citizens, siblings, stayed in their ranks when the nations original territories fell down in hopeless disaster. And also it is certain that they must have done. They must have done. Yet it was compulsory, humanely, and in accordance with national honour. Could I have moved outside of these holy bases? Sir, I could certainly not. Any genuine individual belonging to the Turkish Nation could have moved outside of these holy bases. Certainly I could not have acted contrary to the orders of my conscience and contrary to our national honour. (1925)
I swore to struggle in a self–sacrificing manner and always beside the nation until we had our independence. Anymore it is certain to me that I will go to nowhere except Anatolia. (1919)
The Nation will be successful. We will think of every aspect of the struggle. The main condition is only being strong and not behaving improperly. (1919)
The National trial will only realise with this belief, resolve and determination. The survival must be the ideas providing national independence not our worthless individuals. (1919)
Everybody, all the intellectuals must be present to save our blessed country. We will not go to İstanbul. The greatest national treasury is in Anatolia. We will struggle to search and assure the saving remedies in the bosom of our country, with each other and until death. (1919)
I have heard some of our friends desire to turn back to their lands because they do not believe in the success of the struggle for independence in this impoverished state. Friends! I did not invite you to this national trial with the force of weapon. And you can see that I still have no weapon to hold you here. You can turn back to your lands as you desire. But you have to know that I will continue to struggle whether either all my friends leave me alone and go away or I stay here alone in Meclis- i Ali ( parliament ). If the enemy comes to Ankara by occupying all sides of our territory, I will take my weapon in my hand and the Turkish flag in the other to attack them from the mountain of Elma. I will struggle with them alone and with all my bullets until the last one. And then I will wrap this blessed flag to my chest and I will die while serving my country. While this flag is absorbing my blood, I will die for the sake of my nation. I swear in the presence of the Parliament (1920 – First Turkish Grand National Assembly at the secret session ).
We can not abandon our national defence until the enemies flags withdraw from our fathers homes. If the soldiers of the foe walk around all over İstanbul, if the foreigner does not leave our lands, we are obliged to continue our struggle. Living in poverty under your own government’s rule is an outstanding situation thousand times better than peace and happiness under a foreign guardianship rule (1920).
The basis of Ottoman State has collapsed and she has completed her life. The Ottoman countries are completely smashed. In the middle there is a father land where very small numbers of Turks are living. The last issue was to smash this land as well. All the concepts such as Ottoman Emperor, its independence, sultan, caliph, government consist of meaningless words. In these circumstances what would be the serious and the real decision?
There was only one decision before this situation. That decision was to establish a new Turkish State based on national sovereignty and unconditional independence.
Here the decision, that we were still considering before we left İstanbul and started to implement immediately when we came to Anatolia in Samsun, is this decision (1927).
In our foreign policy there is no intervention to another state’s law. Nevertheless we are defending and we will defend our right, life, country and honour. We are introducing the right to–for all nations that was suggested by modern day civilisation in the context of international relations and that means a summary of the most eminent thoughts. If our right of self-determination is not introduced unhindered and unconditionally, we will not be responsible for the conflicts and those who do not want to introduce our right will be responsible. There is no conceivable means and power to daunt us from our insisting to realise the national objective. Even for the weak creatures, that are massacred, it is nothing but normal to defend themselves until their last breath (1921).
It is our natural right to protect and defend our existence with weapons against the intent that wishes to destroy us. There is no movement that is more normal and more legal than this (1921).
The strength and ability that we found in ourselves to destroy the enemy's excellent and powerful armies originate from the our legitimate trial. Indeed we want nothing more than to live independently within our national borders. We want respect of our rights that do not begrudge the other nations in Europe (1921).
We are following an aim. Our aim is mentioned above. Now I am repeating : To protect our nation and our state independence. Honour and self–respect are a full part in this. Our aim includes only our nation's sovereignty in our country's determined borders. We are fighting for this. Sir; whether all sides of our territory are destroyed or left in flames we will be on a hill located in our territory and defend our country. Due to this there is no need to complain that some places are occupied or some villages destroyed. I am saying clearly that some places are occupied but occupation could reach three times as much as this. But this occupation will never weaken our belief. (1920)
Directly the nation, children of this nation are carrying out the national struggle. The nation has adopted the struggle as an ideal with her mothers, fathers, nurses. The national struggle based on not an individual's ambition but on the national ideal, national self–respect are the real effects. ( 1925 – Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 231 )
I can say that when I came to Anatolia and started my attempts in the belief to rescue the country and the nation from the disaster that they had fallen in, I had nothing in my pocket and under my rule. But poverty was not a reason to stop our steps or decrease their intensity through our objective. We walked and we accomplished and day by day material difficulties ceased spontaneously.
The Turkish Nation has high patriotism and a sense of honour that she does not leave enterprises, which study for her future and independence, alone before difficulties. ( 1926 – Atatürk’s B. N. p. g. 103 – 104 )
The target is not to defend a specific region but defend for all country against the enemy. The country is not abandoned only if the individuals' blood flows in every part of the territory. Even when a person is thrown from his localised, first point there he find he must stop and fight against the enemy. The soldiers are obliged to have patience and success at the point where they are located.
The country will undoubtedly be independent and the nation will be happy. Yet the children of this country are many who will sacrifice their happiness for their country. ( April 1922 )
First Major İnönü Battle is a very significant and productive page in our history of revolution. Coming generations and the whole world will commemorate and appreciate with respect today’s Turkish army that implemented the Turkish revolution and Turkish society that had created this army. 1925 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 205 )
First İnönü is the sun of the victory that rises from horizon of the balllefield. This is the sign of the Turkish nation's high virtue and belief. There is great animosity against this birth...
First İnönü Victory was the sign of the Second İnönü Victory, Sakarya was the sign of the great fight and finally they were the sign of the Turkish country and Turkish independence. For these reasons all of the Turkish military participants who won the First İnönü Major Battle will live forever as glorious warriors in world history. 1925 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 206 )
The Turkish Grand National Assembly’s military’s victory at Sakarya was very significant. There was no resembling victory during the war history. Even Mukden Major Battle that was one of the largest major battles did not continue twenty one days. 1921 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 177 )
I can not find a word to say about our soldiers heroism, but only I can say that this major battle was the officers battle. Essentially the children of this nation can not be thought in any other way. The self–sacrifice and heroism of these children is immeasurable. I want to add something new about our soldiers: The brave Turk soldier, understood the Anatolian struggle's meaning and fought against the enemy with a new ideal.
A nation that has such son and has an army of such soldiers will be successful in protecting her independence forever. The attempts aimed to deprive such a nation from her independence are nothing more the waist of time. 1921 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 178)
Afyonkarahisar – Dumlupınar Major Battle and its last period is the biggest turning point in Turkish history. Our national history is full of brilliant and huge victories. But I do not remember such a battle that had a certain conclusion like this and have a certain effect to give direction to world history. 1924 ( Atatürk’s B. N. , p. g. 81 – 82 )
This Anatolia Victory remains the most beautiful illustration for an ideal that was adopted by a nation its strength. 1922 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 260 )
We realised this movement fully aware of its conclusion. All of these may be confusing to the world. Here, those who do not want to understand our military strength want to show this conclusion as a coincidence. But it never has been like that. The movement fully considered all details, prepared, administrated and concluded. 1922 (Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 256 )
Our Assembly formed a huge presence from non-existence ; and they put hope instead of optimism, belief and ambition instead of hesitation. At the head of the hero military I implemented your orders as a loyal soldier. So I feel a great pleasure that one can feel rarely. Feeling this pleasure, I congratulate my esteemed friends on account of the victory in which they represented the ideals of independence and freedom before all the world. 1922 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 240 )
After Afyonkarahisar – Dumlupınar Major Battle we won another victory that made the enemy completely ineffective and thrust them to the Mediterranean and the Marmara that it is enough mention of this victory.
This operation was conceived, prepared, managed in its every detail and concluded with victory. It is a very significant production of the Turkish soldier.
This opus is an immortal monument of Turkish Nation’s freedom and independence ideals. I will always be happy as being a son to the nation that forged this opus and as being the commander- in- chief of this military. 1927 ( The Speech II, p. g. 677 )
While accepting the congratulations on 30th August national holiday:
I did not win this victory. Indeed the brave soldiers, who died and were injured on the battlefield, won this victory. They had no hesitation when they went through the enemy. Unfortunately it is impossible to write every name on the Kocatepe. But all of them have a common name: Turkish Soldier... I am accept your congratulations in the name of them!... 1928 ( İbrahim Necmi Dilmen, Atatürk Anekdotlar, Der: Kemal Arıburnu, p. g. 120)
I want all of my friends to go forward thinking that there can be other wars in Anatolia. And I want everybody to show their mental force in competing with each other.
Soldiers, your first target is the Mediterranean. Go forward! 1922 (Atatürk’s T. T. B. IV, p. g. 449 )
Turkish commanders knew how to command and Turkish soldiers knew how to die. The secret of our victory lies here. 1922 ( Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoğlu, Atatürk, p. g. 90 )
The liberation of the country started when the nation's vision and management are the unhindered and unconditionally sovereign of its own destiny. And have come to positive results only with the armies that are born from inside the Turkish people. 1922 ( Atatürk’s T.T.B. IV, p. g. 459 )
The attempt to crush our country bases not on a true right or justice and our nation has overcome this attack and our nation saved our country with a victory that history has rarely recorded. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 290 )
You have to know this as a reality that honor belongs to not a man but the whole nation. If the duties carried out are significant, if the successes are clear, if the revolutions attract the attention of each person, everyone must congratulate himself / herself. Yet solely great nations have the real ability to reach accomplishments and each person belonging to this nation has to congratulate himself for belonging to such an able and great nation. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 123 )
All this success is not only my work and also can not be. All this success is the result of all our nation’s combining their ambition and belief with their work. These are the successes and victories won by or heroic nation and eminent army. 1928 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 76 – 77 )
I am so fortunate that I would be able to do my own duties while the brave Turkish military forces is wining the victories. But at this point I should clarify a reality that the targets that I directed our military towards are the targets that all soldiers thoughts, beliefs and ambitions went essentially towards. 1928 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 228 )
I leave the Anatolia victories, which show a huge heroism in each step, to history. The Nation, the nation’s art, musicals, literature and its all aesthetics have to declare every part of this holy struggle to the world with love of the country. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 305 )
Let us congratulate the heroes of the crisis that we lived through. Among them there were not only dead soldiers but also the children, women and elderly who were set on fires. There are also young girls among them who were attacked in their honour and were sentenced to cry during their life-time. There are people among them who lost their family and mothers who lost their child. And also there are victorious fighters among them who turned back to their country today. Let us swear to them. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 308 – 309 )

19.07.08, 09:51	#8 (permalink)
Kullanıcı Profili SERDEM S.Moderators Kullanıcı Bilgileri Üyelik tarihi: Mar 2008 Mesajlar: 7.687 Konular: 6910 Puan Grafiği Rep Puanı:11076 Rep Gücü:20 RD: Teşekkür Ettiği Teşekkür: 47 464 Mesajına 935 Kere Teşekkür Edlidi :	Atatürk'ün Sözleri ( Türkçe - İngilizce) Turkish Nation My only honorary title and my only wealth is nothing but being a member of the Turkish Nation. ( Mahmut Esat Bozkurt, Memories from the Recent Past, p. 95 ) This country was Turkish in the past, is Turkish in the present and will live as Turkish forever. 1923 ( Taha Toros, Atatürk’s Adana Visits, p. 3 ) Turk! Be Proud. Work. Trust. ( Afet İnan, About Atatürk H. B., p. 304 ) A Turk is equal to all the world. ( 1925 ) The answer to the question asked by the British Military Attache : Tedoz, who takes pride in his parents’ blue blood, asks Atilla, who wants to conquer the Italian peninsula, before the peace talks: “ Which noble family do you belong to? “ Atilla replies: “ I’m a son of a noble nation” My answer to your question is exactly the same! ( Ruşen Eşref Ünaydın, Atatürk; T. And D. K. H. , p. 54 ) Turkish nation is a gigantic lion. We are all tiny creatures too small to be seen stuck and finding shelter in his hair. The effective acts and movements of the lion are the effective acts and movements of the revolution. To be able to incite the lion to act and move... For us, this is the role we can be proud of. 1931 ( Asım Us, Memoirs, p. 322 ) I know western nations and all the nations in the world. I know the French, the German, the Russian and all other nations, and I came to know them on the front under fire, face to face with death. I assure you that the moral strength of Turkish nation is superior to that of all the other nations’. 1920 ( Atatürk’s S. D., p. 81 ) Turkish nation likes and appreciates everything that’s beautiful, everything that’s high, everything that’s civilized. But without a doubt, the one thing that the Turkish nation values more than anything is heroism. Surely these words will echo strongly and effectively in the ears of today’s sharp Turkish youth. I wouldn’t expect any less from the Turkish youth whose noble disposition I regard as extremely important. We are no less than the other nations. We are brave, we are intelligent, we are hardworking, we know how to die for noble causes. ( Makbule Atadan Tells. Atatürk with witty remarks, anecdotes and drawings III, Compiled by: N. A. Banoğlu, p. 79 ) There is no “ Nation “ and “ We “, there is only the nation in whole. “ We “ and “ Nation “ are not two individual things. Let me assure you that if a nation does whatever it takes to save its existence and independence and makes every sacrifice to reach this goal, it is not possible for such a nation to be unsuccessful. It will succeed for sure. If a nation cannot succeed, then it is dead. So, as long as the nation exists and makes every necessary sacrifice, failure is not possible at all. 1919 ( Mazhar Müfit Kansu, E. O. K. With Atatürk; Vol. II, p. 346 ) If we want the world to respect us, first we must show this respect to our own personality and nationality in feelings, in thoughts and in action; we must keep in mind that the nations that couldn’t develop their own national personality can only be prey to other nations. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. 143 ) Disasters, anguish and defeats causes some effects on nations. The main one of these effects is that, after such dark days, nations wake up, remember their dignity and sense their own personalities. We should add another one to these effects that exalt the dignity of the nations: the feeling of revenge... There should be the feeling of revenge in the heart of the nations. This is not an ordinary revenge, but the one that aims to repairing the harm done by the ones that are enemies of the nation’s life, prosperity and future. The whole world must know that it is not, and will not ever be possible for us to forgive such an enemy so long as it stands against us. Showing mercy to the enemy is weakness and inability. It is not humane, but the manifestation of the vanishing of the human character. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II. P. 117 ) The undecided, rotten mentality of the past is dead. The whole world should know that the Turkish nation is able to exhibit its rights, dignity and honor. The whole nation will stand up in one body and fight for a single foot of motherland soil. It is a mistake to think the Turkish nation hasn’t realized that any aggression against the least bit of its dignity, a handful of motherland soil is an attack against its whole presence. 1924 ( Behçet Macit, The Ghazi and His Works, p. 96 ) Those who are about to pass away and say farewell to the Turkish nation, should say ,as their last words to their children whose life will go on : “ My duties to Turkish nation, Turkish people and the future of the Turk haven’t been accomplished yet. It is now up to you to complete them. You should repeat these words to your descendants. “ These words are not the expression of an individual, but the expression of a “ Sense “ of Turkish nation. Every Turk will breathe his last breath repeatedly saying these words to his children as a password. The last breath of every Turk should show that the breath of the Turkish nation never cease and it will keep on breathing forever. Noble Turk, there is no limit to your nobility. 1935 (Atatürk'ün T.T.B. IV., S.575-76) We have accomplished many important duties in such a short time. The most important of these duties is the Republic of Turkey, whose foundation is Turkish heroism and noble Turkish culture. We owe this success to the Turkish people and its invaluable army that have walked hand in hand in utmost determination. But we can never say what we have done so far is enough. Because we have to do more and we are determined to do so. We will bring our country to the level of the world’s most civilized and prosperous countries. We will raise our national culture beyond the level of contemporary civilization. We will do more in shorter time. I am sure that we will succeed. Because Turkish people have a noble character. Turkish people are hardworking, Turkish people are intelligent. Because Turkish people have succeeded in overcoming difficulties by national unity and identity. And because, on the path of development and civilization, the torch in the hands and mind of Turkish people is positive science. I must also stress that another historic quality of the Turkish nation, which is a noble society, is to appreciate and master the fine arts. For that reason, it is our national ideal to develop our nation’s noble character, untiring industriousness, natural intelligence, faith in science, affection to fine arts, sense of national unity by continuously supporting them with every imaginable means and measures. I have no doubt at all; the great albeit forgotten cultural achievements and great civilizing talents of the Turks shall rise on the horizon of the future and of progress. Turkish Nation, I sincerely hope that you celebrate this grand national occasion every ten years forever with more pride. more happiness, in peace and prosperity. What joy to he/she who says “ I’m a Turk ! “ 1933 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. 272 ) The source of inspiration for those who want to be a leader in serving the country and the nation is the sincere feelings and desires of the nation. If we ever did anything that is worth mentioning, that would be nothing but our effort to touch the presence of the nation in terms of its feelings and tendencies. We have no doubt whatsoever that the secret to any success, the true source of any power and capacity is the nation itself. 1925 ( M. E. İ. S. D. I, p.26 ) One of our friends who made a speech asked me what was the source of inspiration and power for me. The source of inspiration and power our friends inquired about is the nation itself. Some deny that a nation has a common tendency, a common view and idea. Probably you all have heard such people many times. Such people are absentminded ones who are indifferent to the country and the nation. Many disasters our country and nation had to face were undoubtedly caused by the fact that those absentminded ones had the control of the fate and the will of the country. A community undoubtedly has a common idea. Maybe this idea cannot always be expressed, but this should never lead one to decide that such a common idea is nonexistent. It surely exists in the affairs. Our presence, all acts and accomplishments that saved our independence are nothing but the noble sign of the nation’s common idea, desire and resolution. 1925 ( Atatürk’s M. A. D., p. 22 ) We have taken our inspiration neither from the skies, nor from the invisible worlds, but directly from life itself. What draws our path are the motherland we live in, the Turkish nation we belong to and the conclusions we have drawn from the pages of the history of nations which are full of disasters and anguish. 1937 ( Atatürk’s K. A. N., p.40 ) Our nation doesn’t approve of those who think and act opposite to it’s true tendencies. Today, I am proud of this virtue. To explain how appropriate it is, I must say that our source of inspiration has always been, is and will always be the conscience of Great Turkish Nation. We believe beyond any doubt that, as long as all of our acts, power and productivity find foundation in national conscience, and as long as we are guided by the national common sense, we, as we have done so far, will carry the nation forward to the right goals. 1925 ( Atatürk’s B. N., p. 92 ) When we attempted to accomplish our great duties, our main guide and source of success was our nation’s noble common sense and capacity. This great nation always appreciate and support his sons who try and see the directions its desire and capacity lead. 1926 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. 337 ) There is no bigger reward than the Nation’s love and affection. I think I served my nation in some ways during the independence war. But I have never taken credit for any of them alone. I always say “ All that’s done is the nation’s accomplishment ” and that is the truth. We can not claim that we have done all we have to do to prove that we are the descendants of a race and a nation that formed countless civilizations in the past, for we have yet much work to do to today and tomorrow. Scientific efforts are among them. My advice to my friends is this: Let’s work hand in hand not for ourselves, but for the nation we belong to, for this is the noblest of all works. ( Muzaffer Göker, T. T. K. Belleten, Vol. 3, Issue: 10, 1939, p. 388 ) I’m proud of the fact that I have never deceived my nation with my words and actions. When I said “ I will do it “, “ We will do it “, “ We can do it “, I always believed what I said. For instance, before the Battle Of Sakarya started, I said we would drown our enemy in our country. Some supposedly important people sent word and asked me not to send the people to death in vain. They told about Rumenians, Bulgarians and Greeks and suggested that it would be best if we waited for the future to gain our independence. But keeping the capacity and faith of our nation in mind, I said “ no, we will do it “. And now, keeping our existing capacity to lead the country and the nation to prosperity, development and happiness in mind, I say “ We will do it too! “. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. 70 ) I have never been forced to go back on a promise given to the nation. While giving these promises, I was not like a fanciful poet persuing the imaginatory when giving them I trusted in talents of this nation.1923 (Atatürk'ün S.D. II, S. 123) The Turkish nation is superior to all the other nations not only in heroism, but also in capability and aptitude. ( Yusuf Ziya Özer, T. T. K. Belleten, Vol. 3, Issue : 10, 1939, p. 287 ) Before me, it was the nation which took action to accomplish an important duty. The nation reminded me the important duty I delayed for one reason or the other and made me accomplish it. 1925 ( Mustafa Selim İmece, Atatürk’s S. D. K. And I. S., p. 44 ) My only intercessor and shelter is my nation. 1919 ( Memoirs of Reşit Pasha, p. 86 ) If this nation had not been ready to die without turning a hair for the cause and for me, I couldn’t have accomplished anything. ( Behçet Kemal Çağlar, Atatürk, Anecdotes – Memoirs, Compiled by: Kemal Arıburnu, p. 39 ) If I was a man who could be easily intimidated by difficulties, my nation would leave me alone. I’m always grateful to my nation’s goodwill. ( Afet İnan, About Atatürk H. B. P. 21 ) When necessary, I will give the Turkish nation my life as my biggest gift. ( June 1937 ) As in every phase of my life, during the days of crisis and disasters of the last years, there was not a single moment when I didn’t get the utmost pleasure in sacrificing my personal interests, my personal peace and comfort for my nation’s happiness and welfare. The only born democrat nation among all the nations past and present in this world is the Turkish nation. ( 1937 ) Incapable minds and weak eyes can not see the truth easily. Such ones are far behind the level of great the Turkish Nation. ( 1925 ) Our nation is determined to obtain, in essence and in form, the life and means that contemporary civilization has provided to all nations. The nation is resolved not to let the efforts it makes in terms of reforms and modernization cease because of many lies and tricks as was the case in past centuries. This nation has adopted as an absolute fact that, in the struggle at the international level, science as the means of survival and the source of power can only be found in the contemporary civilization. As a natural and indispensable result of the alterations and reforms I mentioned, a secular governmental mentality which doesn’t change unless the mundane needs it stems from change in the nation’s general volition and in law system has been adopted by our nation as a vital principle. ( 1925 ) This great nation always appreciates and supports her sons who try and see the directions its desire and capacity lead. (1926) There are two Mustafa Kemals. One is me, the mortal Mustafa Kemal; the other is the ideal of Mustafa Kemal which will live forever within the heart of the nation. I represent this ideal. I appeared at a moment of danger, yes, but isn’t my mother a Turk? It is the nation that is fertile, not me. ( 1935 ) The natural ability and the final resolution of the Turkish nation is to walk untiringly and unceasingly on the path of civilization. ( 1924 ) Wishing to cure terrible wounds of many millennia quickly and believing that it has found the jewel called the truth, Turkish nation consciously decided to seek liberation. The obvious fate of those who attempt to prevent it is to be stomped under the strong feet of the Turk. I have no doubt whatsoever that our nation will show the same competence in fighting with wisdom as it did in fighting with guns. Our nation’s pure disposition is full of capability. ( 15 July 1921 ) As soon as I arrived Samsun, I examined the country and the people. I saw that the tendency of the nation would make anyone who hesitated in defending the country’s independence feel ashamed. The events that the whole world witnessed in the last two years proved that I was right and the nation had a real perseverance in its determination and faith. ( 23 April 1921 ) No victory is the goal itself. The victory is only the main means to reach a goal that is superior to it. The goal is the idea. The victory can only be as valuable as the idea it produces and serves. A victory that doesn’t produce an idea can not be lasting. Such a victory is a useless effort. The juridical, political, economic and financial chains that held us back from the level of civilized nations have been broken... The success we reached only paved the way for progress and civilization. But we have not yet reached the progressive civilization. Our great cause is to exalt the dignity of our presence as the most civilized and prosperous nation. This is the dynamic ideal of Great Turkish Nation that permanently revolutionized not only its institutions, but also its ideas. To reach this ideal, we must carry out the idea and the act together. In such an attempt, success is possible only through long term planning and rational work. The National Struggle and The Turkish War of Independence The intention and the goal of the national struggle was to provide and to maintain complete independence and unconditional sovereignty. The Nation performed the necessary actions in the context of Misak-ı Milli ( National Oath ) to win its external independence. And she also determined her line of action with The Law of Teşkilat-ı Esasiye to manage to obtain her national sovereignty. (1923 ) The objective is to keep alive the Turkish nation as a self–respecting and an honourable nation. This aim could be only provided with complete independence. A nation that has not her independence, it does not matter how to wealthy she is, could only be a manservant to the civilised humanity. Adopting a foreign state’s protection is nothing but deprivation of human quality, weakness and numbness. Those who did not fall into this vulgarity, could be never thought to bring a foreigner to their administration. However the self–respect, belief in herself and ability of the Turkish people are very high and immense. For such a Nation it is better to disappear than survive as slave! Consequently it is either independence or death! We continued our war to defend our rights and independence and this is sacred for us. And I have a belief that no power could deprive a nation from its right to life. (From Atatürk’s Speech) Whether all sides of our territory is destroyed or left in flames we will be on a hill located in our territory and defend our country. 1920 The day I went to Samsun in May of 1919 I had not any material force. I just had high spiritual strength originated from eminent Turkish Nation’s nobility and this filled my heart. Here I started my duty by this national power and I trusted them completely. I was so sure that one day undoubtedly the sun will would shine on The Turkish horizon, the strength of this sun would warm us, we would take strength from it. I was virtually seeing this with my eyes. 1937 Our nation is so great. We do not need to be frightened. She does not accept slavery and vulgarity. (1919) I and many of our citizens, siblings, stayed in their ranks when the nations original territories fell down in hopeless disaster. And also it is certain that they must have done. They must have done. Yet it was compulsory, humanely, and in accordance with national honour. Could I have moved outside of these holy bases? Sir, I could certainly not. Any genuine individual belonging to the Turkish Nation could have moved outside of these holy bases. Certainly I could not have acted contrary to the orders of my conscience and contrary to our national honour. (1925) I swore to struggle in a self–sacrificing manner and always beside the nation until we had our independence. Anymore it is certain to me that I will go to nowhere except Anatolia. (1919) The Nation will be successful. We will think of every aspect of the struggle. The main condition is only being strong and not behaving improperly. (1919) The National trial will only realise with this belief, resolve and determination. The survival must be the ideas providing national independence not our worthless individuals. (1919) Everybody, all the intellectuals must be present to save our blessed country. We will not go to İstanbul. The greatest national treasury is in Anatolia. We will struggle to search and assure the saving remedies in the bosom of our country, with each other and until death. (1919) I have heard some of our friends desire to turn back to their lands because they do not believe in the success of the struggle for independence in this impoverished state. Friends! I did not invite you to this national trial with the force of weapon. And you can see that I still have no weapon to hold you here. You can turn back to your lands as you desire. But you have to know that I will continue to struggle whether either all my friends leave me alone and go away or I stay here alone in Meclis- i Ali ( parliament ). If the enemy comes to Ankara by occupying all sides of our territory, I will take my weapon in my hand and the Turkish flag in the other to attack them from the mountain of Elma. I will struggle with them alone and with all my bullets until the last one. And then I will wrap this blessed flag to my chest and I will die while serving my country. While this flag is absorbing my blood, I will die for the sake of my nation. I swear in the presence of the Parliament (1920 – First Turkish Grand National Assembly at the secret session ). We can not abandon our national defence until the enemies flags withdraw from our fathers homes. If the soldiers of the foe walk around all over İstanbul, if the foreigner does not leave our lands, we are obliged to continue our struggle. Living in poverty under your own government’s rule is an outstanding situation thousand times better than peace and happiness under a foreign guardianship rule (1920). The basis of Ottoman State has collapsed and she has completed her life. The Ottoman countries are completely smashed. In the middle there is a father land where very small numbers of Turks are living. The last issue was to smash this land as well. All the concepts such as Ottoman Emperor, its independence, sultan, caliph, government consist of meaningless words. In these circumstances what would be the serious and the real decision? There was only one decision before this situation. That decision was to establish a new Turkish State based on national sovereignty and unconditional independence. Here the decision, that we were still considering before we left İstanbul and started to implement immediately when we came to Anatolia in Samsun, is this decision (1927). In our foreign policy there is no intervention to another state’s law. Nevertheless we are defending and we will defend our right, life, country and honour. We are introducing the right to–for all nations that was suggested by modern day civilisation in the context of international relations and that means a summary of the most eminent thoughts. If our right of self-determination is not introduced unhindered and unconditionally, we will not be responsible for the conflicts and those who do not want to introduce our right will be responsible. There is no conceivable means and power to daunt us from our insisting to realise the national objective. Even for the weak creatures, that are massacred, it is nothing but normal to defend themselves until their last breath (1921). It is our natural right to protect and defend our existence with weapons against the intent that wishes to destroy us. There is no movement that is more normal and more legal than this (1921). The strength and ability that we found in ourselves to destroy the enemy's excellent and powerful armies originate from the our legitimate trial. Indeed we want nothing more than to live independently within our national borders. We want respect of our rights that do not begrudge the other nations in Europe (1921). We are following an aim. Our aim is mentioned above. Now I am repeating : To protect our nation and our state independence. Honour and self–respect are a full part in this. Our aim includes only our nation's sovereignty in our country's determined borders. We are fighting for this. Sir; whether all sides of our territory are destroyed or left in flames we will be on a hill located in our territory and defend our country. Due to this there is no need to complain that some places are occupied or some villages destroyed. I am saying clearly that some places are occupied but occupation could reach three times as much as this. But this occupation will never weaken our belief. (1920) Directly the nation, children of this nation are carrying out the national struggle. The nation has adopted the struggle as an ideal with her mothers, fathers, nurses. The national struggle based on not an individual's ambition but on the national ideal, national self–respect are the real effects. ( 1925 – Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 231 ) I can say that when I came to Anatolia and started my attempts in the belief to rescue the country and the nation from the disaster that they had fallen in, I had nothing in my pocket and under my rule. But poverty was not a reason to stop our steps or decrease their intensity through our objective. We walked and we accomplished and day by day material difficulties ceased spontaneously. The Turkish Nation has high patriotism and a sense of honour that she does not leave enterprises, which study for her future and independence, alone before difficulties. ( 1926 – Atatürk’s B. N. p. g. 103 – 104 ) The target is not to defend a specific region but defend for all country against the enemy. The country is not abandoned only if the individuals' blood flows in every part of the territory. Even when a person is thrown from his localised, first point there he find he must stop and fight against the enemy. The soldiers are obliged to have patience and success at the point where they are located. The country will undoubtedly be independent and the nation will be happy. Yet the children of this country are many who will sacrifice their happiness for their country. ( April 1922 ) First Major İnönü Battle is a very significant and productive page in our history of revolution. Coming generations and the whole world will commemorate and appreciate with respect today’s Turkish army that implemented the Turkish revolution and Turkish society that had created this army. 1925 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 205 ) First İnönü is the sun of the victory that rises from horizon of the balllefield. This is the sign of the Turkish nation's high virtue and belief. There is great animosity against this birth... First İnönü Victory was the sign of the Second İnönü Victory, Sakarya was the sign of the great fight and finally they were the sign of the Turkish country and Turkish independence. For these reasons all of the Turkish military participants who won the First İnönü Major Battle will live forever as glorious warriors in world history. 1925 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 206 ) The Turkish Grand National Assembly’s military’s victory at Sakarya was very significant. There was no resembling victory during the war history. Even Mukden Major Battle that was one of the largest major battles did not continue twenty one days. 1921 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 177 ) I can not find a word to say about our soldiers heroism, but only I can say that this major battle was the officers battle. Essentially the children of this nation can not be thought in any other way. The self–sacrifice and heroism of these children is immeasurable. I want to add something new about our soldiers: The brave Turk soldier, understood the Anatolian struggle's meaning and fought against the enemy with a new ideal. A nation that has such son and has an army of such soldiers will be successful in protecting her independence forever. The attempts aimed to deprive such a nation from her independence are nothing more the waist of time. 1921 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 178) Afyonkarahisar – Dumlupınar Major Battle and its last period is the biggest turning point in Turkish history. Our national history is full of brilliant and huge victories. But I do not remember such a battle that had a certain conclusion like this and have a certain effect to give direction to world history. 1924 ( Atatürk’s B. N. , p. g. 81 – 82 ) This Anatolia Victory remains the most beautiful illustration for an ideal that was adopted by a nation its strength. 1922 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 260 ) We realised this movement fully aware of its conclusion. All of these may be confusing to the world. Here, those who do not want to understand our military strength want to show this conclusion as a coincidence. But it never has been like that. The movement fully considered all details, prepared, administrated and concluded. 1922 (Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 256 ) Our Assembly formed a huge presence from non-existence ; and they put hope instead of optimism, belief and ambition instead of hesitation. At the head of the hero military I implemented your orders as a loyal soldier. So I feel a great pleasure that one can feel rarely. Feeling this pleasure, I congratulate my esteemed friends on account of the victory in which they represented the ideals of independence and freedom before all the world. 1922 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 240 ) After Afyonkarahisar – Dumlupınar Major Battle we won another victory that made the enemy completely ineffective and thrust them to the Mediterranean and the Marmara that it is enough mention of this victory. This operation was conceived, prepared, managed in its every detail and concluded with victory. It is a very significant production of the Turkish soldier. This opus is an immortal monument of Turkish Nation’s freedom and independence ideals. I will always be happy as being a son to the nation that forged this opus and as being the commander- in- chief of this military. 1927 ( The Speech II, p. g. 677 ) While accepting the congratulations on 30th August national holiday: I did not win this victory. Indeed the brave soldiers, who died and were injured on the battlefield, won this victory. They had no hesitation when they went through the enemy. Unfortunately it is impossible to write every name on the Kocatepe. But all of them have a common name: Turkish Soldier... I am accept your congratulations in the name of them!... 1928 ( İbrahim Necmi Dilmen, Atatürk Anekdotlar, Der: Kemal Arıburnu, p. g. 120) I want all of my friends to go forward thinking that there can be other wars in Anatolia. And I want everybody to show their mental force in competing with each other. Soldiers, your first target is the Mediterranean. Go forward! 1922 (Atatürk’s T. T. B. IV, p. g. 449 ) Turkish commanders knew how to command and Turkish soldiers knew how to die. The secret of our victory lies here. 1922 ( Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoğlu, Atatürk, p. g. 90 ) The liberation of the country started when the nation's vision and management are the unhindered and unconditionally sovereign of its own destiny. And have come to positive results only with the armies that are born from inside the Turkish people. 1922 ( Atatürk’s T.T.B. IV, p. g. 459 ) The attempt to crush our country bases not on a true right or justice and our nation has overcome this attack and our nation saved our country with a victory that history has rarely recorded. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 290 ) You have to know this as a reality that honor belongs to not a man but the whole nation. If the duties carried out are significant, if the successes are clear, if the revolutions attract the attention of each person, everyone must congratulate himself / herself. Yet solely great nations have the real ability to reach accomplishments and each person belonging to this nation has to congratulate himself for belonging to such an able and great nation. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 123 ) All this success is not only my work and also can not be. All this success is the result of all our nation’s combining their ambition and belief with their work. These are the successes and victories won by or heroic nation and eminent army. 1928 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 76 – 77 ) I am so fortunate that I would be able to do my own duties while the brave Turkish military forces is wining the victories. But at this point I should clarify a reality that the targets that I directed our military towards are the targets that all soldiers thoughts, beliefs and ambitions went essentially towards. 1928 ( Atatürk’s S. D. II, p. g. 228 ) I leave the Anatolia victories, which show a huge heroism in each step, to history. The Nation, the nation’s art, musicals, literature and its all aesthetics have to declare every part of this holy struggle to the world with love of the country. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 305 ) Let us congratulate the heroes of the crisis that we lived through. Among them there were not only dead soldiers but also the children, women and elderly who were set on fires. There are also young girls among them who were attacked in their honour and were sentenced to cry during their life-time. There are people among them who lost their family and mothers who lost their child. And also there are victorious fighters among them who turned back to their country today. Let us swear to them. 1923 ( Atatürk’s S. D. I, p. g. 308 – 309 )