Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani
‘‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’’ – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Ankara, Turkey – October 29, 2023, marks a historic date in the annals of time, commemorating the centenary celebration of the Republic of Turkey since its monumental inception in 1923.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the visionary architect of modern Turkey, laid the cornerstone for a nation that not only shines as a beacon of hope and prosperity for its people but also resonates as an emblem of progress across the Muslim world. This momentous milestone underscores Turkey’s incredible journey toward socio-economic development and its vital role in nurturing profound bonds with nations worldwide, most notably its deep-rooted connection with Pakistan.
Turkey has endured the tumultuous winds of history, facing five successful military coups since the birth of the Republic in 1923. However, the events that unfolded on that fateful Friday marked a daring attempt at the sixth coup, with soldiers marching against President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and his ruling Justice and Development Party, known as the A.K.P. Nestled within the heart of this remarkable nation is a constitutional secular state, a unique blend of history and modernity. Turkey, with more than ninety-five percent of its population adhering to the Muslim faith, carries the legacy of once being the seat of a mighty Islamic empire.
Throughout its storied history, the Turkish military has often stood as a stalwart guardian, shielding the cherished principles of secularism and the Constitution, diligently preserving the vision of its founding father, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Turkey also shares a profound connection with the Indian subcontinent, which reviews the complexities of Muslim identity. As time flowed on, the dynamics of Muslim identity in India underwent significant transformations.
Following the reign of Shah Alam II, a practice emerged that held deep symbolism – the recitation of the name of the Ottoman caliph during the Khutba, the Friday sermon. This seemingly subtle act signified a profound shift in perception, indicating that the mantle of safeguarding and defending the Muslim community in India had passed from the Mughal emperor to the Ottoman Caliph, the spiritual leader of the Ottoman Empire. The passage of a century has borne witness to Turkey’s remarkable metamorphosis into a regional powerhouse, replete with a robust economy and a rich cultural heritage. It stands as a dynamic and influential global player.
The transformation of Turkey’s economic landscape across the past century is nothing short of extraordinary. Its commitment to diversification, innovation, and visionary leadership has catapulted it into the echelons of emerging economic giants. Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey’s strategic geographical position has amplified its global significance.
Embarking on ambitious endeavors such as Vision 2023, Turkey is poised to continue its journey toward becoming one of the world’s leading economies by its centennial anniversary. While the path ahead is laden with challenges, it also brims with opportunities for further progress, stability, and prosperity. Over the course of the century, Turkey has borne witness to a remarkable economic transformation. This evolution has been marked by diversification, innovation, and technological advancement across various sectors. In recent years, Turkey has been ardently working towards establishing itself as a regional hub across a spectrum of fields, encompassing finance, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture, to name a few. Its geographical location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has conferred upon it a unique advantage, facilitating international trade and beckoning foreign investments.
Under the sagacious leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, Turkey has embarked on a series of comprehensive reforms aimed at fortifying economic growth and stability. Initiatives like the Vision 2023 plan, unveiled in 2011, have set audacious targets, envisaging Turkey as one of the world’s top ten economies by its centennial anniversary. These reforms have fostered an environment conducive to foreign direct investment, nurturing both domestic and international trade. This journey is nothing short of miraculous.
Turkey’s path to progress is emblematic of relentless pursuit – of growth, modernization, and diversification. It has transitioned from a primarily agrarian economy into a dynamic and multifaceted one. Diversification stands at the heart of Turkey’s economic prowess. The nation has been unwavering in its promotion of innovation and technological advancement across a spectrum of industries. This strategic approach has enabled Turkey to diversify its economic foundation, transcending traditional sectors and embracing novel opportunities.
In recent times, Turkey has been zealously endeavoring to establish itself as a regional hub, spanning various sectors from finance and manufacturing to tourism and agriculture. Its geographical juncture at the intersection of Europe and Asia has played a pivotal role in its regional ascent. Turkey’s unique geographical position bestows a strategic advantage, bridging two continents and serving as an ideal conduit for international trade.
This geographic centrality has enticed businesses and investors eager to leverage Turkey’s role as a gateway to both Europe and Asia. The visionary leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has been instrumental in steering Turkey’s economic transformation. His administration has championed far-reaching reforms aimed at enhancing economic growth and stability.
The commitment to creating an environment conducive to investment and innovation remains unwavering. Among the most notable milestones in Turkey’s recent economic history is the inception of the Vision 2023 plan in 2011. This ambitious plan laid out a series of goals and targets for Turkey to attain by its centennial anniversary. These targets spanned an array of economic facets, from GDP growth to foreign trade, infrastructure development to educational and healthcare reforms. Central to Turkey’s economic transformation is its prowess in attracting foreign direct investment.
The Vision 2023 plan, coupled with other reform initiatives, has nurtured an environment that is alluring to international enterprises. This has precipitated a surge in foreign investments, fueling economic growth and job creation. Moreover, Turkey’s economic evolution is underscored by a substantial increase in both domestic and international trade.
The nation’s enhanced infrastructure, streamlined trade regulations, and strategic geographical position have rendered it an attractive destination for businesses seeking to expand their markets. While Turkey’s economic progress is indeed commendable, it has not been devoid of challenges. Economic stability and growth have, at times, been juxtaposed with the need to address issues such as inflation, fiscal deficits, and currency fluctuations. However, the nation’s leadership remains steadfast in their commitment to surmounting these challenges and pursuing opportunities for further growth.
Pakistan, a nation intertwined with Turkey through deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, has played an integral role in this journey of progress. The bilateral relationship between these two nations has burgeoned over the years, encapsulating various sectors, including trade, defense, education, and cultural exchange. Pakistan and Turkey have joined hands in a plethora of initiatives, forging closer economic ties.
The Pakistan-Turkey Free Trade Agreement, inked in 2013, has played a pivotal role in augmenting the volume of trade between the two nations, with a shared aspiration to reach $5 billion by 2023. Furthermore, collaborative projects such as the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad (ITI) train service and the Pakistan-Turkey Cultural Year have fortified people-to-people interactions and deepened cultural understanding between the two nations. Turkish businesses have made substantial investments in Pakistan, significantly contributing to its economic development. Turkish companies have played a pivotal role in diverse sectors, including construction, energy, telecommunications, and textiles, imparting valuable expertise and creating employment opportunities for the Pakistani workforce.
Furthermore, educational and cultural exchanges have cemented the bond between Turkey and Pakistan. Countless scholarships, exchange programs, and cultural festivals have offered opportunities for students and citizens from both nations to immerse themselves in each other’s rich heritage, thus fostering enduring ties.
As Turkey commemorates its extraordinary centenary, we find ourselves compelled to applaud the nation’s unwavering dedication to socio-economic advancement. In this remarkable journey, Turkey’s partnership with Pakistan emerges as a shining exemplar, epitomizing the immense power latent within robust international bonds. With an unshakable sense of purpose, Turkey boldly embarks on its next century, poised to achieve even greater feats.
Turkey’s epic journey of a century is a guiding light, not just for its people but for nations worldwide. It stands as an enduring testament to the extraordinary outcomes that arise from unwavering dedication to progress, socio-economic growth, and international cooperation. The luminous torch of inspiration ignited by Turkey’s journey reaches far and wide, casting a hopeful glow on what can be achieved when vision, determination, and unity converge. Today, Turkey stands as a vibrant tapestry of diversity and dynamism, a bridge between two continents, effortlessly weaving together a mosaic of cultures.
With a thriving economy, a youthful population, and a strategically vital geopolitical position, Turkey emerges as a pivotal force on the global stage. Its role in regional politics, acting as a vital link between Europe and Asia, remains pivotal. Turkey continues to be a key influencer in international affairs, shaping the destinies of nations while cherishing its rich heritage.
The leadership of Turkey, rooted in an unshakable belief in the enchanting power of dreams, unwavering dedication to progress, and an unyielding commitment to modernity, stands as an enduring testament to the limitless potential residing within the hearts and souls of the Turkish people and the great nation they proudly call home.
The writer is a Senior Media Consultant based in Peshawar. Can reach him at syeed.gilani@gmail.com
