What Does the “Century of Turkey” Plan Promise?

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urkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his jubilation as he declared the commencement of the “Century of Turkey” during his inauguration speech on April 4. Employing the metaphor of the “New Red Apple,” Erdoğan described the current era as one of conquest, proclaiming that the “doors of our country’s growth have been opened.”

With the centennial of the Turkish Republic approaching on October 29, 2023 the AK Party (Justice and Development Party) government has unveiled an ambitious vision for the nation’s future. Throughout his election campaign, the recently re-elected president emphasized his 2023 vision and showcased projects initiated in alignment with the “Century of Turkey” plan.

This comprehensive vision comprises 17 principles encompassing sustainability, science, technology, peace, stability, and power, constructing a future-oriented perspective that fosters proactive transformation both domestically and internationally. To gain a deeper understanding of this plan, let us explore the “Century of Turkey” through President Erdoğan’s statements.

The vision was initially presented by Erdoğan on October 28, 2022, during an address to a crowd in Ankara. In his speech, Erdoğan expressed the desire for a robust start to the new century of the Turkish Republic with the “Century of Turkey.” He stated, “At a time when the world is facing vital challenges, we want to make our country one of the 10 largest states globally in all fields of politics, economy, technology, military, and diplomacy.”

Economic revival takes precedence in the agenda

During his first cabinet meeting, President Erdoğan outlined three primary goals for the early stages of the “Century of Turkey”: reducing inflation to single digits, facilitating the voluntary and dignified return of refugees, and contributing to global peace through an enterprising and active foreign policy.

Addressing Turkey’s economic challenges emerges as Erdoğan’s top priority. To tackle the persistent high inflation rate, currently at 39.59%, he appointed former deputy prime minister Mehmet Şimsek as the minister of treasury and finance. Şimsek’s international stature reassures both domestic and global stakeholders.

The appointment of Hafize Gaye Erkan, who held prominent positions in the banking sector in the United States, as the head of the Central Bank of Turkey, has also garnered attention. After years of pursuing a low-interest rate policy, Erkan’s appointment signifies a move towards normalization in the eyes of the markets.

Emphasis on a stronger and stable Turkey

Underlining that the Republic has not been able to live in peace within itself for a significant part of its century-long history, President Erdoğan remarked, “The calculations of imperialists on our country have never been lacking. The pawns used in these dirty calculations have never been lacking either. It was the same yesterday and it is the same today. Instead of relying on the supremacy of the national will, our country has wasted golden years in the hands of governments that remained under the guidance of the forces of tutelage.”

Erdoğan stressed that Turkey has now become a stronger nation capable of withstanding threats from both domestic and foreign actors. He asserted, “They did everything to strip us of these lands. They tried to do so sometimes by coming here in person and sometimes by using their pawns. We, as the nation, liberated our homeland in the War of Independence and shouted once again to the whole world that we would never accept slavery. Lastly, they attempted to invade our homeland by making the traitors within attack us on the night of July 15. We stopped it, as well, in solidarity with our people.”

“Let us face east and west – but, most importantly, the truth.”

Another priority of the “Century of Turkey” vision marks a turning point in Turkish foreign policy: adopting a more proactive and multipolar perspective rooted in compassion. Erdoğan pledged to strengthen Turkey’s diplomatic hand around the world. He noted that “the international community will see a Turkey that takes more initiative in solving global crises, strives more for the establishment of peace and stability in its region, works harder for the development of the Turkish and Islamic world, and protects the oppressed and victims.” The “Century of Turkey” envisions a revolution that will bring democracy, development, peace, and welfare to every corner of the world. Hakan Fidan, who was the head of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) since 2010, was appointed as the new foreign minister.

Full-scale fight against terrorism

The scope of Turkey’s counterterrorism vision is expanded in the “Century of Turkey” plan. Erdoğan promised determination to eliminate terrorist elements saying that interlocutors would find a determined, braver, more compassionate, and more active Turkey that fights terrorist organizations inside and outside its borders more decisively. “They stalled us with terror for years. They wasted our resources and energy for years. They stole away our children’s future, the light in their eyes and the hope in their hearts. They worked to raise walls of blood and tears in the way of our people. They tried to undermine our eternal fraternity by setting Turks and Kurds against one another…” He went on to add, “The separatist terrorist organization is a dagger with which the imperialists stabbed our country in the back in order to spill our blood and weaken us.”

Transitioning from a coup d’état-drafted to a libertarian constitution

In his speech at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, President Erdoğan said, “We will strengthen our democracy with a libertarian, civilian, and inclusive constitution by getting rid of the current constitution, which is a product of a coup. We will continue to make our country grow through investment, employment, production, exports, and current account surplus. We are determined to put Gazi Mustafa Kemal’s principle of ‘Peace at Home, Peace in the World’ into practice in its true meaning.”

With the launch of the “Century of Turkey,” President Erdoğan aims to propel Turkey towards a transformative future, characterized by progress, development, and global engagement. The vision encompasses various aspects, including foreign policy, counterterrorism efforts, constitutional reforms, and economic improvements. As Turkey celebrates the 100th anniversary of its Republic, the “Century of Turkey” represents a significant milestone in the nation’s history, setting the stage for a new era of growth and influence.