Cumhuriyet Döneminde Resmî Dil Politikaları ve Toplumsal Yansımaları (1923–1950)

The official language policies adopted in the early years of the Republic of Turkey went far beyond establishing a mere means of communication; they led to profound, multifaceted, and lasting transformations in the country’s social structure and cultural dynamics. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the pivotal role played by key reforms—such as the alphabet revolution, the Turkification of the language of worship, and the simplification of language in education and the press—in the construction of national identity, citizenship consciousness, and the modernization process, drawing on historical documents and academic literature. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research demonstrates that the language policies of the Republic were not simply technical or administrative interventions, but also served as a fundamental force in shaping social integration, identity formation, and collective memory. The findings reveal that the spread of Turkish—from education to everyday life—has fostered a shared sense of belonging and a modern civic identity across all segments of society; yet, language reforms and simplification have at times resulted in cultural rupture with the past and have produced exclusionary perceptions among minorities and certain communities. The study also offers a detailed evaluation of the role of language policies in shaping political participation, citizenship consciousness, and the transformation of social memory. Ultimately, the central function of language policy in processes of social cohesion and identity formation emerges as a key conclusion of this research.