A conference titled “The Development of the Republic in Our Country and Republic Day Celebrations” was jointly organized by the Kırşehir Governorship and Kırşehir Ahi Evran University. The event took place on October 30, 2025, at the Neşet Ertaş Hall of the Ahi Evran Congress and Culture Center. The conference was delivered by Prof. Dr. Bengül Bolat, a faculty member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Attendees included Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Deputy Governor İsmail Çetinkaya, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Musa Özata, as well as academic and administrative staff and students.

The opening speech of the conference was delivered by Deputy Governor İsmail Çetinkaya, who expressed his pleasure in attending the event, noting that the Republic Day celebrations were still ongoing. Emphasizing that the Republic is a shared value for all citizens, Çetinkaya said, “The Republic was founded under very difficult circumstances 102 years ago, and today it shines like a star in this region.” He paid tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, with gratitude and respect. Highlighting that the Republic of Türkiye continues to stand strong despite the challenges surrounding the country, Çetinkaya stated that the Republic itself is the main reason for this resilience and extended his congratulations on the 102nd anniversary of the Republic.

Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil then took the floor, emphasizing that the Republic represents one of the rarest events in history — a symbol of willpower born out of the War of Independence, which stands as undeniable proof of the Turkish nation’s devotion to freedom and the indivisibility of its homeland. He noted that the Republic is also the embodiment of the faith and determination of the Turkish people, who never succumbed to despair despite poverty and hardship, and who crowned their War of Liberation with victory. Highlighting that the people of Anatolia, who mobilized entirely during the years of the National Struggle, were the true architects of the Republic proclaimed on October 29, 1923, Karahocagil continued: “October 29, 1923 marks the moment when our nation, burning with a passion for independence and trust in its will, declared to the whole world that its sovereignty could never be shackled. For us, the Republic is not merely a system of governance — it is the manifestation of our nation’s belief in freedom, equality, and independence. Living in a geography that constantly challenges us, we must always remember and remind future generations of the great struggles of a century ago, preparing ourselves for today’s tests and trials. Every achievement — from defense and technology to religion and art — reflects not only our nation’s perseverance and resolve but also the inherited spirit of effort and determination from the National Struggle. Within this framework, guided by the vision of the Century of Türkiye, we continue to pursue groundbreaking progress in every field, from defense and economy to education, agriculture, tourism, energy, and foreign policy.”

“By restoring our unity at home and reestablishing our historical partnerships abroad, we must work to revive and rebuild the civilizational values that rise upon our lands with the same determination and spirit of the National Struggle,” said Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, adding that achieving this goal requires the steadfast progress of all 86 million citizens toward a prosperous and peaceful Türkiye. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the spirit of the National Struggle while strengthening unity, solidarity, and brotherhood, he expressed his belief in enhancing cooperation with all nations and peoples within Türkiye’s cultural sphere. “As Kırşehir Ahi Evran University,” he continued, “we will remain prepared for any challenge — working together, producing, collaborating, and advancing knowledge and goodness for the bright future of our nation.” Rector Karahocagil concluded by paying tribute to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, and all members of the Grand National Assembly who led the National Struggle, as well as the martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for independence, and extended his heartfelt congratulations on the October 29 Republic Day.

Following the opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Bengül Bolat, a faculty member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, delivered a presentation titled “The Road to the Republic and the Celebrations.” In her talk, she explained that the lands of Anatolia were divided by the Treaty of Sèvres, which marked a devastating defeat for the Ottoman Empire and the loss of its territories. Prof. Dr. Bolat emphasized that this treaty aimed to strip the Turkish people of their independence, noting that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ignited the flame of the National Struggle in Samsun, which was then carried on in Havza and Erzurum. She underlined that the War of Independence was not a guerrilla movement nor one won by arms alone, but rather a struggle that demonstrated the power of intellect, science, and technology while reviving the consciousness of the Turkish nation. Highlighting the importance of the spirit of the National Struggle in regaining independence, Prof. Dr. Bolat noted that this movement also served as an inspiration for other nations under colonial rule. She concluded by emphasizing that the Republic of Türkiye emerged under the most challenging conditions of its time and that Republic Day celebrations hold great significance for this reason, pointing out that October 29 Republic Day is Türkiye’s only national holiday recognized at an international level.

After the conference, Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil and Deputy Governor İsmail Çetinkaya presented a certificate of appreciation to Prof. Dr. Bengül Bolat in recognition of her valuable contribution. The event concluded with a group photo taken to commemorate the occasion.