Turkey Aims for Digital Leadership with AI Push, Launches Domestic Model 'Bilge'

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared Turkey's determination to construct a powerful and digitally advanced nation within the "Century of Turkey" vision, by leveraging artificial intelligence opportunities. Speaking at the Turkey Artificial Intelligence Summit, Erdoğan emphasized that digital sovereignty is inseparable from political, military, and economic strength, highlighting digital capacity as a deterrent force multiplier. He noted that Turkey is among the few nations to recognize this technological shift early and shape its policies accordingly. "We are now producing the technologies we were previously dependent on externally," Erdoğan stated, adding that all stages, from R&D to mass production, are being developed with domestic resources. He credited the "National Technology Move" and the TEKNOFEST generation for their dedication and projects, which he believes will define the present and future. The government plans to invest significantly, expecting the Turkey Artificial Intelligence Action Plan to generate over 1 trillion Turkish lira in added value. To achieve this, Turkey will focus on AI literacy for 5 million citizens, alongside training 10,000 AI specialists and 100,000 AI application professionals. During the summit, the Ministry of Industry and Technology introduced 'Bilge,' Turkey's indigenous AI model. In a demonstration video, Bilge identified itself as a domestic AI assistant developed for Turkey's needs, aiming to provide accurate information naturally. When asked about Turkey's strengths, Bilge cited the young, dynamic population and strategic geographic location, along with production capacity and rapid digital adaptation, as key advantages. The initiative underscores Turkey's ambition to become a leader in AI development and application.

“

We are now producing the technologies we were previously dependent on externally.