On the Republic and Governance
‘The most suitable administration for the Turkish nation is the republican administration.’
‘Republican morality is based on virtue. The Republic is a virtue.’
On Independence
‘Throughout our history, we Turks have always been a nation that symbolises freedom and independence.’
‘The honour, dignity and capability of the Turk is very high and great. Such a nation would rather perish than live in captivity. Then it is either independence or death!’
On National Sovereignty
‘Sovereignty belongs to the nation unconditionally.’
‘Giving my life for national sovereignty is a debt of conscience and honour for me.’
On Art
‘A nation without art is like a body whose arteries have been cut.’
‘The artistic ability of a nation is measured by the value it places on the fine arts.’
On the Artist
‘An artist is the first person in society who feels the light on his forehead after long labour.’
‘You can all be deputies, ministers, even presidents, but you cannot be artists.’
On Sport
‘If Turkish youth grow up healthy and do sports, the future of our nation is assured.’
‘I love intelligent, agile and moral athletes.’
On Religion
‘Our religion is the most reasonable and natural religion. And for this reason alone it is the last religion. For a religion to be natural, it must be in accordance with reason, science, knowledge and logic. Our religion is in complete harmony with them.’
