A Special Project by Açık Holding for the 100th Anniversary of the Republic: The Pioneering Women of the Republic.

Under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, following a legendary struggle for independence against occupation, we proudly and joyfully celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Republic—the greatest legacy Atatürk left us.

Açık Holding, which has been operating internationally in the technology sector for nearly a quarter of a century, is launching the Cumhuriyet’in Öncü Kadınları exhibition to recognize the significance of the Republic’s legacy and its commitment to passing it on to future generations. Acknowledging that one of the Republic’s greatest contributions has been women's rights, this initiative highlights the pioneering women who have made their mark on Republic history, taking the first step in what is envisioned as a long-term project.

Women Who Inspire from Past to Present

Drawing strength from its inclusive and egalitarian corporate culture, Açık Holding, in the first phase of this project, brings to light the footprints left by trailblazing women from past to present. Curated by Writer Özlem Özdemir, it presents the success stories of women since the founding of the Republic as a gift to the public. The Cumhuriyet’in Öncü Kadınları exhibition not only provides a chronological perspective on Atatürk’s views on women but also revisits the process through which Turkish women gained their rights. In addition to comprehensive biographies of 20 pioneering women who have made a difference, the exhibition also honors women whose achievements continue to inspire us today.

Exhibition curator, Writer Özlem Özdemir, underscores the importance of the project by stating, "This is the first time an exhibition of this scale, showcasing the gains women have made thanks to the Republic, is being held."

The Cumhuriyet’in Öncü Kadınları exhibition, which will also be attended by some of the pioneering women who are still among us today, will open on Friday, October 27, at the Artopol Art Gallery in Istanbul’s Maslak 42 and will be free to visit until November 2, 2023. As a tribute to Republic Day on October 29, the exhibition will also be available online at www.cumhuriyetinoncukadinlari.com. The virtual exhibition, accessible in both Turkish and English, aims to share the achievements that the Republic has granted to women with the world.