As part of the celebrations for the 101st anniversary of our Republic on October 29, a conference titled "The Path to the Republic and Atatürk" was organized by the Rectorate of Manisa Celal Bayar University.

The conference took place at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center in the Uncubozköy Health Campus and was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, Deputy Governor Mustafa Özkaynak, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ahmet Çetin, Prof. Dr. Kadir Ay, Prof. Dr. Oktay Üçer, Secretary General Erhan Doğan, deans, directors, faculty members, and many students.

Prof. Dr. Hasan Mert, a faculty member of the Department of History at Ege University, participated as a speaker. He began his talk by emphasizing Atatürk’s statement that "Republic is the governance model most suitable to the character of the Turkish nation," taking the audience on a brief historical journey.

"Republic rests on two elements: the first is an unlimited society, and the second is elections. These two characteristics are essential for republican governance. When we consider these two features and look at Turkish history holistically, we see a lifestyle that aligns with them. The feature of a classless society exists among Turks," said Prof. Dr. Mert. He continued, "A leader must be courageous, insightful, wise, and charismatic. Turkish history has produced leaders with these qualities. When we consider Atatürk, looking at his birthplace, education, and achievements, he embodies all these traits. Soldiers recognized themselves and their hero through letters and news from Anatolia. The word 'Cumhur' means 'people' in Arabic, and a republic is a governance model based on the people. The concept of the republic is a term derived from Arabic that was produced by the intellectuals of Ottoman society."

Prof. Dr. Mert pointed out that the Republic was not declared overnight, stating, "It will not disappear overnight either. The issue of peace is significant in our history. Both the Ottoman Empire and our Republic of Turkey are part of our heritage; they are continuations of each other. The red background with the white crescent and star was our flag in 1915, in 1923, and it will be in 2024. We continue our culture and identity in these lands, and that will continue until the world ends. The most suitable governance model for the Turkish nation is the republic. This does not mean we will be at odds with our past. Let’s establish internal peace and awaken in a future filled with confidence, tranquility, and prosperity."

He concluded by honoring those who declared the Republic, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades, and all the statesmen who served the Republic.

The program ended with Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar and Deputy Governor Mustafa Özkaynak presenting a certificate of appreciation and a gift to Prof. Dr. Hasan Mert, followed by a group photo.