Atatürk's Corner

Atatürk's Address to the Youth

You the “Turkish Youth!”

Your first duty is to preserve and defend Turkish independence and the Turkish Republic forever.

This is the sole foundation of your existence and future. This foundation is your most precious treasure. Even in the future, there will be malevolent individuals, both domestic and foreign, who will seek to deprive you of this treasure. If one day you are compelled to defend your independence and the Republic, you must not consider the possibilities and circumstances of your situation before taking up your duty! These possibilities and circumstances may prove extremely unfavorable. The enemies who threaten your independence and the Republic may be responsible for a victory unprecedented in the world.

By force and deception, all the fortresses of our beloved homeland may have been captured, all its shipyards occupied, all its armies dispersed, and every corner of the country occupied. More grievous and grave than all these circumstances, those in power within the country may be in error, misguided, and even treasonous. Furthermore, these rulers may identify their personal interests with the political ambitions of the invaders. The nation may be impoverished, ruined, and exhausted.

You! Children of the Turkish future! Even in these circumstances, your duty is to save Turkish Independence and the Republic! The strength you need exists in the noble blood in your veins!

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

October 20, 1927