: After being misdated in the General Staff archives as "Ankara, 1929," a legal process initiated by Kabalak's family eventually confirmed its true origin as Uşak, 1933. Symbolic Meaning
The photograph (This is How We Won the Republic) is a symbolic image of the Turkish Republic's early years, capturing the pride and modest conditions of the nation during its first decade. Historical Background
: For many years, the photo's origins were unknown or misattributed to other cities like Ankara or Polatlı. It was brought to public attention in the 1990s by Gültekin Şener , the father of Turkish writer and actress Gülse Birsel , who found it in a family album.
: The photograph was taken on October 29, 1933 , in Uşak during the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the Republic.
: It was captured by Hüsnü Kazım Özler , known as "Foto Kazım," who was Uşak's first professional photographer. The camera used for this shot is now exhibited at the Uşak City History Museum .