When nationalism is mentioned, there is no doubt that the first thing that comes to mind is “Homeland, Nation, Sakarya” rhetoric… But nationalism today is developing somewhat differently… Let us consider how the concept of nationalism is changing under today’s conditions and what it means…
Today, the way to show commitment to one’s country, love for one’s homeland, and support for one’s flag and land is less through words and more through raising the value of these things. To put it more plainly, nationalism has changed its form today and has begun to turn into production and economic strength. You need to connect your commitment to your country with what you produce. People who love their homeland should do something for their country in the fields of learning and science… They should add value… In short, today, being a nationalist is possible not through rhetoric, but through what you do to make your country strong. Today, to say “I am a nationalist,” you need to produce, you need to work…
We can see this reality particularly well if we take a close look at Turkey’s last ten years. Today, Turkey is making its own aircraft, ships, weapons, and satellites. Unfortunately, however, this outlook has only taken root in Turkey over the last ten years. If it had developed earlier, Turkey would undoubtedly be in a much stronger position today…
Let us turn to our country…
We have an election ahead of us. I wonder which party will address the idea that love for one’s country is expressed through producing and doing something for it? And what difference would it make if they did? What if the program they announced were perfect? Who would read it, and who would vote accordingly? Who will be elected, and how? We all know very well that under the current electoral system, it is possible to get elected by knowing a village and having an extended family… What does it matter what qualifications someone has or what education they have received? What does it matter whether someone can truly be a statesperson? We all know what Parliament is like. How far can we go with this structure? When will our Parliament, our members of parliament, and party leaders set aside their own interests or those of their parties and pass laws that will clear the way for the country… It is then, when they pass these laws, that this modern understanding of nationalism—which does not exist in our country—will take root in our society. Then we will be able to elevate our country and put it in a stronger position…
I hope we live long enough to see it…