Devrim: A Glorious Chapter of Turkish Engineering and a Vision for the Future

The year was 1961. With Turkey striving to modernize and assert its independence, a bold idea emerged: to produce a fully Turkish-designed and manufactured automobile. The result was Devrim, a name that means “Revolution.” Built in just 130 days by a team of 24 brilliant engineers in Eskişehir, Devrim symbolized a nation’s ambition and the talent of its engineers.

But while the story of Devrim began with inspiration and pride, it also ended too soon. Only four prototypes were ever built, and production never reached industrial scale. Today, many believe that if Devrim’s production had continued, Turkey could have been one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers.

The Revolutionary Journey of Devrim

In 1961, then-President Cemal Gürsel ordered Turkish engineers to create a fully domestic automobile in time for the Republic Day celebrations on October 29. This ambitious project was carried out at the Tülomsaş factory (now part of Eskişehir’s rich industrial heritage).

The engineers worked tirelessly, crafting four prototypes—two in cream and two in black. The design was elegant yet practical, featuring a hexagonal grille, round headlights, and a body that embodied the spirit of innovation.

However, the journey was not without setbacks. The iconic moment came during the Republic Day ceremony when one of the cars ran out of fuel after driving just 100 meters. The incident, caused by the team’s decision to use minimal fuel for transport safety, overshadowed the project’s monumental achievement. The media at the time mocked the effort with headlines like, “Devrim traveled 100 meters and stopped,” failing to recognize the incredible engineering feat behind the scenes.

Despite proving that Turkey had the talent and capability to manufacture its own cars, the project was halted. Devrim never went into mass production, leaving behind a legacy of “what could have been.”

A Legacy of Unfulfilled Potential

Had Devrim continued, it could have been a game-changer for Turkey’s industrial future. Experts and enthusiasts alike agree that the country might have rivaled global automotive giants like Ford or Toyota. With its innovative spirit and skilled workforce, Turkey could have built an ecosystem of automotive excellence, transforming Eskişehir into a global hub for automobile production.

Today, Devrim stands as a symbol of ambition, ingenuity, and the unrealized dream of Turkish engineering. One of the original prototypes is proudly displayed at the Tülomsaş Museum in Eskişehir, reminding visitors of the monumental achievement of those pioneering engineers.

What If Devrim Had Continued?

Here at Turkish British Magazine, we began to wonder: What if Devrim had continued production? What would Turkish automobiles look like today? To answer this question, we collaborated with Connective, a 34-year-old creative agency operating in both London and Istanbul, and used artificial intelligence to bring this vision to life.

Using state-of-the-art AI technology, we imagined how Devrim cars might have evolved over the decades. Would it have embraced electric vehicle technology? Could it have designed luxury sedans to rival Rolls-Royce? Or perhaps SUVs and sports cars that dominate global markets?

We are proud to share this series with you—a celebration of Turkey’s past achievements and a vision for its potential future.

The Devrim Automotive Series: A Glimpse into the Future

Honoring Devrim and Looking Ahead

This project is not just about reimagining a car—it’s about celebrating the talent, ambition, and potential of Turkish engineers. Devrim’s story is an inspiration for today’s innovators and a call to action for Turkey to reclaim its place as a leader in automotive innovation.

Connective’s collaboration on this series demonstrates the power of creativity and technology in reviving cultural and industrial heritage. With offices in Istanbul and London, Connective continues to bridge the past and future through visionary projects like this.

Explore the Devrim Series

We invite you to explore this unique series of AI-generated designs and rediscover the story of Devrim. Visit Turkish British Magazine to view the full gallery and learn more about Turkey’s remarkable engineering history.

Closing Note
At Turkish British Magazine, we are dedicated to celebrating Turkey’s achievements and envisioning its future. Together with Connective, we honor Devrim’s legacy and look forward to a time when Turkey takes its rightful place as a leader in global innovation. Let’s dream big, just like those 24 engineers in 1961.