_"My people are going to learn the principles of democracy, the dictates of truth and the teachings of science. Superstition must go. Let them worship as they will; every man can follow his own conscience provided it does not interfere with sane reason or bid him to act against the liberty of his fellow men."
-Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938)
-Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938)
While the road to freedom was no easy task Ataturk's reformations transformed Turkey from a weak country on the brink of collapsing into a global competitor. Ever since Ataturk introduced his reforms Turkey has become a self-sufficient nation whose economy currently ranks 15th while its army ranks 7th. According to Professor Keyman from Koc University "With its dynamic economy, recursive growth rates, and young population, Turkey has become one of the important, but not pivotal (such as India, Brazil), "emerging market economies of today‟s economic globalization." Its economy is predicted to continue rising.
Ever since 1923 Turkey has become a global influence. It played a major role during the Cold War when Russia demanded the USA to remove its nuclear weapons from Turkey. The republic has also paved the way for Middle Eastern nationalism. When Turkey’s neighbors saw that it was possible for a Muslim nation to defeat a European country and gain independence they used it as inspiration for their own revolts. Even with the current Arab Spring, EU members are looking to Turkey for guidance as they attempt to stabilize and reform the governments of the other Middle Eastern nations.
"Turkey is a "model country" for the possibility of stability and peace in Iraq in particular, and in the Middle East and Islamic world in general. In fact, with its more than a century long modernizing reform and constitutional democracy experience, Turkey is the most successful example in the world today of a secular democracy within a Muslim society."
-Professor Carlton Hayes (Columbia University)
Ever since 1923 Turkey has become a global influence. It played a major role during the Cold War when Russia demanded the USA to remove its nuclear weapons from Turkey. The republic has also paved the way for Middle Eastern nationalism. When Turkey’s neighbors saw that it was possible for a Muslim nation to defeat a European country and gain independence they used it as inspiration for their own revolts. Even with the current Arab Spring, EU members are looking to Turkey for guidance as they attempt to stabilize and reform the governments of the other Middle Eastern nations.
"Turkey is a "model country" for the possibility of stability and peace in Iraq in particular, and in the Middle East and Islamic world in general. In fact, with its more than a century long modernizing reform and constitutional democracy experience, Turkey is the most successful example in the world today of a secular democracy within a Muslim society."
-Professor Carlton Hayes (Columbia University)
Turkish Economy: Source: BBC