The Turkish government has shared a revealing figure: 40 years of efforts to counter terrorism have cost the economy $2.3 trillion. This staggering sum was disclosed through a large-scale digital campaign led by the Turkish Communications Directorate. The campaign showcases how that money could have been invested to build millions of homes, hospitals, and schools, instead of being allocated to counterterrorism. The initiative, titled 'Terror-Free Türkiye,' aims to unite citizens behind a national effort to focus on development and prosperity. The campaign launched under the hashtag 'National Solidarity' is already gaining traction online, with government officials and political leaders sharing and supporting its message. The campaign comes as the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) filed a bill in Parliament to advance the two-year 'Terror-Free Türkiye' initiative aimed at achieving peace by ending the conflict with the terrorist group PKK and its affiliated structures.
The digital effort includes a professionally made video and a series of detailed infographics. These materials explain how the same $2.3 trillion could have transformed the country’s energy and transportation infrastructure. For instance, the money could have funded massive solar power plants that would have met Türkiye’s electricity demand for about 23 years. Alternatively, wind farms could have supplied the nation’s needs for 17 years. In transport, the funds could have built 1,888 Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridges, 1,106 Osmangazi Bridges, and 1,504 Eurasia Tunnels. Other projects include 218 Istanbul Airports, 195 Northern Marmara Motorways, and more. These developments would have greatly enhanced connectivity and logistics across the country. The infographics also highlighted the potential to establish 15,000 organised industrial zones, 2,000 automotive manufacturing plants, 4,500 high-technology production facilities and 7,500 defence industry manufacturing facilities. Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that eliminating terrorism would create stronger conditions for investment, production and economic development, saying, 'With a Terror-Free Türkiye, the path for investment, production and development will become much stronger. Türkiye will write new economic success stories with the spirit of National Solidarity.'
Healthcare, Housing, and Education
The housing sector could have seen a major boost with the construction of either 36 million social housing units or 31 million earthquake-resistant homes. This would help address the country’s urgent need for safe and affordable housing. For education, the money could have funded 460,000 schools, each with 24 classrooms, adding up to 11 million classrooms nationwide. This would make a major contribution to the country’s long-term educational goals and capacity.
National Unity and Civil Defense
In a statement, the Turkish Communications Directorate explained that terrorism has done more than threaten national security. It has also severely impacted the economy, development, and social well-being. The campaign calls for national unity to move forward, emphasizing that these resources could have been used for long-term investment in key areas such as energy, education, healthcare, and technology. The government added that terrorism has drained vital funds that could have built the foundation for Türkiye’s future. The campaign also highlights the potential to strengthen civil defense. The budget could have funded 1,150 new dams, along with 66,500 firefighting helicopters and 32,000 firefighting aircraft. These investments would have significantly improved the country’s preparedness for natural disasters. The initiative aligns with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s vision of a 'Terror-Free Türkiye,' where all 86 million citizens benefit from redirecting resources into development. The government believes that by achieving this goal, the entire nation will see long-term economic prosperity and social stability. The campaign also estimates the funds could have financed 5,150 city hospitals and more than 3.65 million family health centers.