In 1923, the weary lands of Anatolia were awakening to a new dawn. Years of war and deprivation had inflicted immense suffering on the people, yet they had also forged an unbreakable resilience. With the proclamation of the Republic, a new hope began to sprout in the eyes of the people.
Ali, a 19-year-old young man, was the son of a once-respected family that had lost everything in the war. His father had fallen as a martyr in the War of Independence, and his mother struggled to keep their home standing despite overwhelming poverty. But Ali was determined not to succumb to despair under the shadow of hardship and loss.
An old book, inherited from his father, became his greatest source of inspiration. The book chronicled the Ottoman Empire's late industrial efforts, technological advancements in the West, and attempts at modernization. As Ali lost himself in its pages, his eyes gleamed with determination. "If the Republic is a new beginning, then I must be a part of this beginning," he thought.
He wanted to start from his own village, teaching people modern agricultural techniques. The war had left not only the people impoverished but also the land barren and unproductive. Ali believed he could change this.
One day, he went to the city library in search of books on agriculture and industry. As he wandered through the towering wooden shelves, he met Mehmet, a 24-year-old idealistic teacher. Mehmet had the opportunity to study abroad but had chosen to return home to contribute to the Republic's educational efforts in Anatolia.
When Ali shared his thoughts with him, Mehmet was eager to support him. "For this land to flourish again, it needs not only labor but also knowledge," he said.
Thus, Ali and Mehmet began their journey, seizing the opportunities brought by the Republic. As Ali studied new agricultural techniques, Mehmet started giving him lessons in a small village school. However, their journey would not be an easy one.
Ali would soon learn that changing not just the land but also people's minds was an arduous task. Over time, he met patriotic individuals who had been educated in the West but had never lost touch with their roots. Together, they developed projects in modern agriculture, industry, and education. To achieve economic independence, Ali also ventured into trade, aiming to uplift the local economy.