102nd Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic: “A Century of Transformation”

On October 29, 1923, the Republic of Türkiye emerged from the ruins of empire with the bold proclamation of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: “Sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the Nation.” In the 102 years since, Türkiye has walked a remarkable path of transformation-rebuilding its institutions, embracing democracy, and forging a modern identity rooted in resilience. Today, Türkiye stands as a G20 economy, a NATO ally, and a nation that bridges East and West with confidence and vision.
As we mark the 102nd anniversary of our Republic, we also embrace the new era of the Türkiye Century (Türkiye Yüzyılı), a vision that seeks to consolidate a century of achievements and project Türkiye’s dynamism into the next hundred years. Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye confidently walks towards the targets set by Atatürk, combining the wisdom of our founding principles with the ambition of a new century.
President Erdoğan has emphasized that the Türkiye Century is not only about national renewal, but also about global engagement—building bridges of trade, culture, and diplomacy, while ensuring Türkiye remains a force for peace and stability.

Türkiye and Korea: Bonds Forged in Blood

The Republic of Korea holds a special place in Türkiye’s diplomatic journey. Our relations are not merely a product of recent decades but are deeply rooted in shared history and sacrifice. During the Korean War, around 21,000 Turkish soldiers fought bravely on the frontlines, standing shoulder to shoulder with their Korean brothers and sisters in defense of freedom. Nearly 1,000 of them made the ultimate sacrifice, and thousands more were wounded.
Türkiye’s contribution did not end with the armistice. In total, approximately 50,000 Turkish soldiers were deployed to Korea under the United Nations Command between 1950 and 1971, ensuring peace and stability on the Peninsula during those crucial decades. This legacy forged a bond unlike any other-a brotherhood in blood.
It is for this reason that we proudly say: Türkiye and Korea are not only partners in diplomacy and trade, but true blood brothers. Korea is one of the very few countries we call not only an ally and a friend, but also a blood brother. This unique bond, born of sacrifice, continues to inspire our peoples and guides our nations toward an ever-closer future.

The Suwon Ankara School: A Legacy of Compassion

This brotherhood was not only written on the battlefield, but also through acts of compassion. One of the most lasting symbols is the Suwon Ankara School, established by the Turkish Brigade during the war. What began as an orphanage for Korean children left destitute by conflict soon became a school that nurtured hope and opportunity.
For decades, it educated, cared for, and gave dignity to thousands of Korean children. Its contributions during and after the war went far beyond humanitarian relief—it created futures, healed wounds, and became a living monument of Türkiye’s love for Korea. The legacy of the Suwon Ankara School remains a powerful reminder that Türkiye’s role in Korea was not only to defend freedom but also to build a foundation of human solidarity.

Economic Partnership for a Changing World

As global supply chains undergo unprecedented shifts, Türkiye and Korea stand well-positioned to act as economic partners and innovation hubs. Our Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2013 and expanded in 2015 to include services and investment, provides a robust framework for cooperation.
Türkiye’s unique geography offers Korean businesses privileged access to markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. At the same time, Korea’s technological leadership complements Türkiye’s strong manufacturing base and entrepreneurial spirit. President Erdoğan has emphasized that the Türkiye Century must prioritize renewable energy, advanced technology, and sustainable infrastructure-areas where Korean expertise can be an invaluable partner. From electric mobility to smart cities and green hydrogen, our partnership holds the potential to address 21st-century challenges while creating jobs and opportunities for both our peoples.
Our trade volume reflects this deepening cooperation, reaching USD 11 billion in 2024. This is supported not only by the exchange of goods but also by joint innovation and investment projects that benefit both economies. Korean giants such as Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and LG have made major investments in Türkiye, strengthening technology transfer, industrial capacity, and employment.
Our cooperation is also visible in landmark infrastructure projects. In İstanbul, Korean firms worked alongside Turkish partners to build the Avrasya Tunnel and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, while on a national scale, the Turkish–Korean consortium delivered the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge over the Dardanelles-the world’s longest suspension-bridge main span. These projects stand not only as marvels of modern construction, but also as living symbols of how Türkiye and Korea, when working together, achieve the extraordinary.
Moreover, Türkiye’s Customs Union agreement with the European Union offers unique advantages for companies producing in Türkiye: goods manufactured locally can be exported to EU markets virtually tax-free. Combined with Türkiye’s strategic location, this makes it an unparalleled gateway to global trade. With just a four-hour flight from İstanbul, one can reach markets of billions of people—from Europe to Asia, from the Gulf to the Caucasus.

Cultural Diplomacy: Beyond Economics

Diplomacy is not solely measured in statistics of trade or defense agreements. At its heart, it is about people. Cultural diplomacy remains one of the most vibrant dimensions of Türkiye–Korea relations. Turkish drama series attract a growing Korean audience, while Korean popular culture enjoys immense popularity in Türkiye.
In 2023, as Türkiye marked its centennial, a series of cultural events in Seoul showcased our rich culinary, artistic, and musical traditions. Looking ahead, we aim to deepen these exchanges, ensuring that younger generations in both countries discover each other’s heritage. The recent rise of Turkish cuisine in Korea, with restaurants introducing flavors from Anatolia, stands as a delicious testament to how culture can bring people closer.
Equally, Türkiye is not just a political and business partner but also a highly favorable destination for Korean tourists. Each year, more Koreans discover Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, İstanbul’s rich history, the ancient cities of the Aegean coast, and the green highlands of the Black Sea region. Türkiye is also the land of unique treasures:
• Two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, once the largest temple of antiquity, and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, an architectural marvel that inspired the very word “mausoleum.”
• The hometown of Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) – the beloved Christian saint was born in Patara and served as bishop in Myra (today’s Demre), where his generosity and compassion inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus.
• The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) near Ephesus – a sacred pilgrimage site visited by Popes and countless faithful, believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary.
• The ancient city of Ephesus – one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of the Roman world, featuring the Library of Celsus, a grand theatre, and streets that echo with 2,000 years of history.
• Pamukkale – the “Cotton Castle” of dazzling white travertine terraces and thermal waters, a UNESCO World Heritage site that combines natural beauty with ancient healing traditions from the city of Hierapolis.

Among these treasures, Göbeklitepe and the wider Taş Tepeler (“Stone Hills”) region hold a special place. Dating back 12,000 years, these Neolithic sites predate Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt, revealing monumental temples and intricate carvings that shed light on humanity’s earliest spiritual life and social organization. Today, ongoing excavations continue to transform our understanding of civilization’s beginnings, making southeastern Türkiye a living archaeological laboratory.
No less remarkable is İstanbul, a city with human settlement dating back nearly 8,000 years. Founded as Byzantium around 2,700 years ago, and today the vibrant metropolis of modern Türkiye, Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents. For over 1,600 years it served as the capital of great empires—Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman—and today it remains the cultural and spiritual heart of Türkiye. The Hagia Sophia, the majestic Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar illustrate the city’s rich layers of history. At the same time, İstanbul is a modern metropolis of art, cuisine, and commerce, where East and West meet daily on the shores of the Bosphorus.
Türkiye is also the land of Rumi, known as Mevlana, whose philosophy of love and tolerance continues to inspire people worldwide. The Whirling Dervishes of Konya, with their meditative dance, are not only a UNESCO-recognized tradition but also a living symbol of Türkiye’s spiritual depth and cultural richness.
Today, Türkiye proudly hosts 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with more than 80 others on the Tentative List. From Göbeklitepe to Cappadocia, from Ephesus to Divriği, our heritage spans millennia and civilizations.
These wonders embody Türkiye’s unmatched blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Historical, cultural, and eco-friendly tourism are central to our country’s offerings—perfectly aligned with the preferences of Korean travelers who value authenticity, heritage, and nature. Tourism strengthens people-to-people ties and ensures that the friendship between our nations is experienced not only in official halls of diplomacy, but also in the hearts of ordinary citizens.

Shared Challenges, Shared Responsibilities

Both Türkiye and Korea are two regional powers navigating a rapidly shifting international landscape. We share responsibilities in promoting stability, sustainable development, and peace. Whether addressing climate change, food security, or regional conflicts, our countries understand that cooperation is no longer optional—it is essential.
The Türkiye Century, guided by President Erdoğan’s vision, calls for a proactive foreign policy that contributes to global peace and prosperity. Türkiye is committed to mediating conflicts, providing humanitarian aid, and fostering dialogue among nations. Korea’s increasing global engagement, including its leadership in digital governance and green technology, resonates with Türkiye’s own priorities. Together, our nations can amplify their voices in global fora, advocating for inclusive and just solutions.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Korean people and government for their friendship and solidarity. Our journey together, rooted in sacrifice and sustained by mutual respect, continues to evolve with every passing year.
The vision of Atatürk—to build a modern, democratic, and outward-looking nation—remains alive in Türkiye’s global diplomacy. Under President Erdoğan’s leadership, this vision gains renewed momentum through the Türkiye Century, ensuring that Türkiye remains a dynamic, confident, and outward-looking nation. In this vision, Korea is not just a partner but a true friend, ally, and blood brother.
Together, we can build bridges that transcend geography and time, ensuring that the next century of our Republic will be one of shared progress, innovation, and peace.

Closing Remarks & Ambassador’s Message

As Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Korea, it is both an honor and a privilege to witness firsthand the depth of friendship that binds our two nations. The story of Türkiye and Korea is not only written in treaties and agreements, but in the courage of soldiers who stood together, the compassion of teachers who nurtured orphans, and the shared hopes of future generations.
Today, as we celebrate the 102nd anniversary of our Republic, we honor this past while looking to the future with confidence. The Türkiye Century, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is a call for renewal, vision, and ambition. In this journey, Korea will always remain not only a valued partner, but also a trusted ally and a true blood brother.
I firmly believe that the bonds between Türkiye and Korea will grow even stronger in the years ahead—through trade and technology, through culture and tourism, and through the shared values of peace, resilience, and human dignity.
On behalf of the people and government of Türkiye, I extend my deepest gratitude to our Korean friends for their unwavering solidarity and friendship.
May the next century of the Republic of Türkiye be marked by even greater cooperation, understanding, and common achievements between our two nations.★