Yonca Sunel reflects on Türkiye's Republic Day and South African ties

Turkish Consul General in Cape Town, Yonca Sunel, standing beside the Turkish flag and a framed portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ahead of Türkiye’s 103rd Republic Day celebrations.

As Türkiye celebrates its 103rd Republic Day, on October 29, the sense of national pride and historic significance resonates strongly among Turkish citizens across the globe. 

The transition from the Ottoman Empire to the modern Republic of Türkiye marks a pivotal turning point in 20th-century history.

Following the First World War and the subsequent occupation by Allied forces, the Turkish people launched a fierce national struggle for independence under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms. 

That historic campaign culminated in the formal declaration of the Republic on October 29, 1923, establishing a sovereign, modern state built on democratic principles and comprehensive social, legal, and educational reforms.

In an exclusive interview on the eve of this historic milestone, the Turkish Consul General in Cape Town, Yonca Sunel, reflected on the enduring legacy of the Republic and its resonance today.

Reflecting on what 103 years of statehood means to the Turkish nation, Consul General Sunel emphasised the deep emotional connection and historic weight attached to the occasion:

“First of all, we pay tribute to all of them—our predecessors who fought for the country, not only for independence, but throughout history for our homeland.

"103 years old sounds long, but we know that it is a very limited time for a nation's history; actually, we have a really old history and old traditions. It is also a day when we look forward to what we do, and what we can do for the next generation,” she said.

Under the "Century of Türkiye" vision, Sunel highlighted the country’s ambition to build upon its rich historical heritage and strategic global position:

“We are ambitious to create a more prosperous, stronger, and influential Türkiye, both at home and also in our region and across the globe. We look to the past, and also we look to the future with ambition.”

While Türkiye and South Africa are geographically distant, Sunel pointed out the profound values and historical parallels that connect the two nations, particularly their shared struggles for self-determination and equality.

“We may have different histories, but we share common values. Our nations—through different ways, we know what the struggle means: to struggle for freedom, for democracy, for being an equal citizen,” she said.

Drawing a direct comparison between the founding fathers of both nations, she added:

“The legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Nelson Mandela—both leaders had an unwavering belief in their people.”

"They possessed the commitment to define the destiny of their countries and upcoming generations," Sunel noted. "Consequently, despite the geographical distance separating us, we remain united by identical values."

Established in Cape Town in 2020, the Turkish Consulate General covers the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape regions. 

Sunel highlighted the ongoing efforts to expand economic, educational, and cultural cooperation between Türkiye and South Africa through key institutions like Turkish Airlines, the Maarif Foundation, the Yunus Emre Institute, and TİKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency).

“South Africa and Türkiye are influential countries in their respective regions, and we have a shared commitment to dialogue, peaceful cooperation, multilateralism, and a more equal international world order,” she said.

Sunel added: “Our presence here is more than a century old. There is always room to deepen the relations, so we have to work hard.”

The ties between Türkiye and the Cape date back to the late 19th century, most notably marked by the arrival of Ottoman scholar Abu Bakr Effendi in Cape Town in 1863.

His contributions to local Islamic education and religious life left an enduring legacy that persists today.

Sunel said: "The basis of our relations is older than a century. Abu Bakr Effendi played and contributed to the education and community life in Cape Town, and still his legacy continues.

 There is also the Ottoman Cricket Club, founded in 1882 by one of his students—it is one of the oldest Muslim sports clubs, and an enduring link between Türkiye and the Western Cape."

As Türkiye marks another milestone in its republican journey, the message from the Consulate General remains focused on unity, ambition, and international solidarity—building lasting bridges across continents.