100 years of Turkish Republic

By Choe Chong-dae

I recently had the opportunity to visit Turkey, a country renowned for its wealth of historical relics and sites that provide a captivating glimpse into its illustrious past.

Despite not being an archaeologist or historian, I was amazed by the diverse blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences that permeate the country.

One cultural heritage site that truly inspired me during my trip was the Goreme Open Air Museum which is a dazzling display of rock-cut churches adorned with exquisite frescoes, providing insight into early Christian history in Cappadocia. The underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, carved into the Cappadocian landscape, exemplify mysterious Byzantine-era engineering. On the western coast, Ephesus unveils some of the best-preserved Roman structures in the Eastern Mediterranean, including an iconic theater with a capacity of 25,000 seats, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

In Pamukkale, I had the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of great religious and cultural significance in the southwestern region. With its stunning white travertine terraces and thermal springs, I marveled at the remarkably preserved Roman structures, such as the marvelous theater and necropolis with precious stone coffins, where natural beauty intertwined with historical significance. These ancient ruins vividly tell captivating stories of bygone eras, making me feel as though I had stepped back in time and left a lasting impression on me.

Turkey’s cultural treasures extend far beyond these regions alone. Istanbul stands as a testament to Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. The Hagia Sophia, a remarkable architectural wonder, encapsulates centuries of history, while the Topkapi Palace houses opulent artifacts from the Ottoman era.

Throughout my journey, I encountered countless historical and archaeological gems, each with its fabulous story. Turkey's distinct cultural heritage reflects its role as a crossroads of civilizations between the East and the West along the Silk Road, making it a unique destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

Coincidentally; during my stay in Ankara, I found myself in close proximity to President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's tomb, which serves as a poignant reminder of modern Turkey's inception.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938) is celebrated as the founding president of Turkey, known for his unwavering ambition and patriotism. After graduating as a staff captain in 1905, he played pivotal roles in the Balkan Wars and World War I. In 1919, Ataturk led a resistance against the Allied occupation, forming the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in Ankara. Under his leadership, the TBMM rejected the Treaty of Sevres and repelled the Greek army during the Turkish War of Independence. Consequently, the Turkish Republic was proclaimed on October 29, 1923, with Ataturk as its founding President.

He served four consecutive terms(1923-1938), earning the surname "Ataturk" in 1934, and implemented transformative reforms, modernizing industry, pursuing diplomacy, and expanding territories. Ataturk's outstanding leadership is not only deeply revered within Turkey, but his visionary and transformative influence has also left an indelible mark on the global stage.

His advocacy for modernization, gender equality and democracy positioned him as a symbol of progress. He transformed Turkey's educational systems and promoted a more European way of life, which included the adoption of the Latin alphabet.

Ataturk's legacy as the founding President of Turkey is a testament to his dedication and visionary reforms, inspiring generations with his commitment to modernization and independence.

As I savor a glass of wine at Fish Port Restaurant beneath the iconic Galata Bridge in Istanbul, gazing out towards the mesmerizing Bosporus Strait, my thoughts wander back to the glorious eras of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. And I find myself reflecting on the noble spirit of the Turkish soldiers who played a vital role during the Korean War (1950-1953) to defend South Korea, leaving me with a deep sense of admiration.

Choe Chong-dae is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and Director of the Korean-Swedish Association. He can be reached at choecd@naver.com