156
Yurtta barış dünyada barış.
Peace at home, peace in the world.
By Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
This quote, meaning peace begins at home, would come to be the motto of the Republic of Turkey. It was coined by Atatürk, the leader of Turkey's National War of Independence. This quote formed a fundamental part of his domestic and foreign policy, and the idea that a peaceful and stable nation is essential not only for the well-being of its citizens, but also for contributing positively to global peace.
426
Cahile söz anlatmak, köre renk tarifi gibidir.
Speaking to an ignorant is like describing colours to the blind.
By İmam Evzai
This quote presents an analogy between trying to explain something to an ignorant person and attempting to describe colours to a person who is blind. Just as a blind person lacks the physical capacity to perceive colours, Evzai depicts an ignorant person as lacking the intellectual or spiritual capacity to understand or accept certain ideas.
76
Dün dündür, bugün bugündür.
Yesterday was yesterday, today is today.
By Sami Süleyman Gündoğdu Demirel
First said by Süleyman Demirel who served seven times as Turkey’s prime minister and became one of the most iconic political figures in Turkish political history. The quotation was announced by him in 1970’s, in order to justify his frequently changing political decisions. This quote has been used by many politicians for and against the political u-turns.
157
Milleti kurtaranlar yalnız ve ancak öğretmenkerdir.
Teachers are the one and only people who save nations.
By Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, revolutionary and first president of the Republic of Turkey
Atatürk firmly believed in the transfomrative power of education, particularly the role of teachers. By educating and inspiring students, teachers contribute directly to the country's future success and stability.
425
En geveze kuş ümittir. Kalbimizde hiç susmaz.
Hope is the most talkative bird. It never stops in our hearts.
By Cenap Şahabettin, writer and poet
The bird, representing hope, is portrayed as constantly active and persistent, symbolising how hope continues to exist within us, even during challenging times. This reflects Şahabettin's optimistic view that hope is an inherent and enduring part of the human spirit
427
Sevelim, sevilelim, bu dünya kimseye kalmaz.
Let’s love, let's be loved, this world shall be left to no one.
By Yunus Emre, poet and mystic
Emre had a considerable impact on Turkish literature, with great poems and quotes about love and human destiny. This quote reminds us that love is the most meaningful and lasting aspect of life, while also highlighting the impermanence of the material world. His words encourage us to prioritise love and compassion, recognising them as the true legacies we leave behind.