The sea is one of the most valuable riches geographies can have. Sea; It provides food, trade, defense, transportation, health, social life, recreation and fertility to countries and societies.

Our country, which is surrounded by seas on three sides, has an important wealth in this sense. The importance of our geopolitical position is determined by the fact that we have Black Sea, Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

The founding of our country, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, has declared the first target of the War of Independence in the Mediterranean, the Great Victory in the years later on November 1, 1937, Grand National Assembly of Turkey Speaking at the importance of our coast with the sea was highlighted by the following words:

"Friends! It is the most beautiful geographical condition and surrounded by sea on three sides, Turkey, industry, trade, and sports is the ability to train the most advanced sailors' nation. We need to know how to benefit from this capability, maritime should consider the great ideals of folk songs and we have managed it in less time."

After the land war, Atatürk turned to legal, commercial and social policies, which are important steps in the establishment of our country.

That's what marine politics means. Activities such as raising the navy, declaring the Cabotage Law, increasing the navy to the sea and expanding the fleet were carried out. He states this:

"First we need to supply a core navy and improve our maritime industry and trade. From now on, you can do the navy that will spring out of the country's industry."

The history of the logistic and legal infrastructure of international maritime trade, improving maritime routes, supporting fishing, supporting social clubs such as sea tourism and sailing are other priorities.

Atatürk said, "Turkey is the most beautiful geographical condition and surrounded by sea on three sides, industry, trade, and sports is the ability to train the most advanced sailors' nation. We need to know how to benefit from this ability; Maritime should consider as Turkey's great ideals and we have managed it in less time." He determined the maritime strategy of the Republic of Turkey. He also cared about sailing and yachting. On April 8, 1935, he founded Moda Deniz Kulübü, the first Turkish sailing club and ensured participation in international competitions.

He cared about the seas in the social and cultural areas and participated in the activities in this direction. The reason why we see many photographs of Atatürk while swimming in the sea, rowing and yacht cruises is the importance that Atatürk attaches to the seas. The adoption and development of our seas and maritime policies in the eyes of the society was one of Atatürk's goals because he knew that a country that could become a Marine Civilization could not be prevented in economic, commercial, cultural and social fields.

Marine policies for development and clean and healthy seas with coasts, underwater and above water are critical for the realization of maritime policies.

We should also work towards the development of our marine policies to ensure the future of our country and our children for the future, brighter future, and to protect and own our seas, marine geography and marine ecosystem, underwater life.

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