Irkıma

Ey ırkım sen bir zaman
Avrupa'yı titreten
İstanbul'u fetheden
Fâtihlere maliktin
Ateş saçan sahralarda harbeden
Cengâvere sahiptin
Bir zamanlar Avrupa
Cehl içinde yüzerken
Yine sen ey ırkım
İlm-i vakte âşina
Âlimlere maliktin
Neden bugün Avrupa
Sana meydan okusun
Neden bugün
O cehalet yuvası
Sana ilim öğretsin

28 Mayıs 1915
Nazım Hikmet

This is not where East and West divide — this is where they come together.

"I know there are those who like to debate Turkey's future. They see your country at the crossroads of continents, and touched by the currents of history. They know that this has been a place where civilizations meet, and different peoples come together. They wonder whether you will be pulled in one direction or another.

But I believe here is what they don't understand: Turkey's greatness lies in your ability to be at the center of things. This is not where East and West divide — this is where they come together.

In the beauty of your culture. In the richness of your history. In the strength of your democracy. In your hopes for tomorrow.

I am honored to stand here with you — to look forward to the future that we must reach for together — and to reaffirm America's commitment to our strong and enduring friendship. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you."

- Barack H. Obama, President of the United States of America, April 6, 2009, National Parliament of Turkey, Ankara.

Özlü Söz

"Aklı ile övünen kişi, hücresinin genişliği ile övünen mahkuma benzer." - Albert Einstein