Türkiye's technology journey toward independence has also been shaped by the goal of enhancing its global competition power, not merely as a national development effort. Despite facing decades of independence struggles and numerous obstacles, this journey has served as a driving power for Türkiye to develop its own technologies. Both the challenges of external dependency and national development objectives have directed Türkiye toward domestic production and innovative technologies.
Steps Taken During the Republic Era
With the proclamation of the Republic, together Atatürk emphasized that Türkiye must achieve not only political independence but also economic and technological independence. Under Atatürk’s leadership, comprehensive reforms were implemented in the early years of the Republic in agriculture, industry, education, and defense.
- Agriculture: With the establishment of Village Institutes, the aim was to educate rural populations and promote modern agricultural techniques. This step became a key strategy to boost domestic production. Additionally, the local manufacturing of agricultural machinery was encouraged.
- Industry: Türkiye’s industrial infrastructure was strengthened through investments in iron and steel, textiles, and food industries. Particularly, the coal mines in Zonguldak and the Ereğli Iron and Steel Factory laid the foundations for Türkiye’s industrialization.
- Education: The Unification of Education Law introduced fundamental reforms and unified the education system. The invitation of foreign scientists paved the way for the training of Turkish scientists. Steps were also taken to increase the number of universities and strengthen scientific research infrastructure.
- Transportation and Infrastructure: Railways were expanded, and roads and ports were constructed. These projects enabled growth in both domestic and international trade and made significant contributions to Türkiye’s economic development.
- Defense Industry: To reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, Türkiye accelerated efforts toward local production in the defense sector. The first domestically produced weapons were launched in the 1930s, and over time, Türkiye’s defense industry developed the capacity to produce its own technologies.
The Past of the National Technology Initiative: The Struggle for Independence
The 1974 Cyprus Operation became one of Türkiye’s greatest external challenges. Arms embargoes imposed by West countries, particularly USA, dealt a severe coup to Türkiye’s defense industry. However, these restrictions strengthened Türkiye’s resolve to build a more robust and independent defense industry.
- Local Production in Defense Industry: The arms embargoes following the Cyprus Operation steered Türkiye toward local production. During this period, companies such as ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, and Roketsan began producing local ammunition and weapon systems, significantly increasing Türkiye’s domestic production capacity in defense.
- Engineering and Technological Innovation: Locally developed aircraft, helicopters, and munitions by Turkish engineers have become symbols of Türkiye’s struggle for technological independence. For instance, the development of indigenous fighter jets for the Turkish Air Force stands as one of the most important milestones of this era.
- Investment in Local Production: Despite financial and infrastructural shortcomings encountered during industrialization, Türkiye made substantial investments in local production, the fruits of which are now becoming clearly visible.
Today: The Growing Strength of the National Technology Initiative
Today, Türkiye’s struggle for technological independence has gained significant momentum. Major successes in the defense industry have transformed Türkiye into a global technology producer.
- Successes in the Defense Industry: Giants such as ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, and HAVELSAN have signed numerous projects worldwide. Türkiye’s indigenous fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), tanks, and missiles are attracting considerable interest in the global market.
- The Bayraktar Family and Baykar: Developed under the leadership of Selçuk Bayraktar, Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı UAVs are projects that have reinforced Türkiye’s strength in the defense industry. Baykar has become a major global player in unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Local Automobile and Space Program: By launching its local automobile TOGG, Türkiye has strengthened its independence in the automotive sector. Additionally, Türkiye’s space program, with its focus on indigenous satellite production and rocket systems, has taken significant steps toward achieving technological independence.
Expanding the National Technology Initiative: Technological Education and Young Entrepreneurs
The nationwide spread of the National Technology Initiative has been made possible by increasing young people’s interest in technology. To this end, various projects and initiatives have been launched:
- TEKNOFEST: TEKNOFEST, Türkiye’s largest technology and aviation festival, has become an annual event that guides hundreds of thousands of youth toward technology. Students and entrepreneurs develop projects in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Deneyap Technology Workshops: Established by T3 Foundation, Deneyap Technology Workshops has created an educational platform that fosters young people’s interest in technology and equips them with expertise in this field. In these workshops, youth receive training in engineering, software, and design to develop their own projects.
- Other Projects of the T3 Foundation: The T3 Foundation also contributes to Türkiye’s goals of technological independence by supporting young entrepreneurs. These initiatives bring young people closer to technological innovation and strengthen Türkiye’s technological infrastructure.
Tomorrow: Türkiye’s Future of Independent Technology
The National Technology Initiative carries the hope of making Türkiye a creator in the world of tomorrow. Young people, engineers, and entrepreneurs are embracing the national technology initiative to further strengthen Türkiye’s independence goals. Through investments across all sectors—from education to industry—efforts are underway to build a Türkiye with world-scale word. Technological independence will reinforce Türkiye’s strength and sovereignty. Türkiye’s technological autonomy will directly impact not only national security but also economic growth and global prestige. In this context, adopting and sustaining the National Technology Initiative is one of the key pillars of Türkiye’s future success.
