The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about a global race, predominantly viewed as a contest between the United States and China. The US is recognized for its leading AI enterprises, sophisticated chip designs, and robust capital markets. Conversely, China offers a sprawling domestic market, manufacturing prowess, and substantial state-backed investments in technology. However, beneath this rivalry, a quieter but increasingly crucial competition is evolving, involving nations such as Türkiye, France, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
### The Rise of Türkiye’s EVREN Platform
Amidst the AI competition, Türkiye has recently introduced its national AI platform, EVREN. This initiative cannot be reduced to merely being “Turkey’s ChatGPT.” Developed by the country’s Secretariat of Defense Industries (SSB), EVREN offers a comprehensive AI infrastructure that encompasses various stages of AI development, from data preparation and model training to computer vision applications and the deployment of large language models. Currently, EVREN allows access to 11 open-weight large language models, rewarding users for contributing datasets and training models with credits.
Central to this platform are Nvidia H200 GPUs, which empower the system with approximately 9 TB of high-bandwidth memory and significant computing capacity, showcasing how advanced hardware has transformed into a geopolitical asset due to global licensing and export controls. The platform has already attracted around 15,000 active users and aims to expand its capabilities further by integrating domestically developed models while enhancing distributed GPU infrastructure. This strategic move is critical for researchers, universities, and technology startups, addressing one of the primary obstacles in AI development—access to sufficient computing power.
### Digital Sovereignty and the Importance of Data
Another pivotal aspect of EVREN is its approach to data sovereignty. In a world where many users leverage foreign AI services, data is often processed in infrastructures situated abroad. EVREN aims to change this narrative, ensuring that user data remains within Türkiye. This focus on local data processing is particularly significant for sensitive sectors, including defense and government. The conversation surrounding data storage is evolving to address not only where data resides but also where AI computations occur and who controls that infrastructure.
EVREN aligns with Türkiye’s AI action plan for 2026–2030, which aims for ambitious growth in AI capacity, workforce development, and public AI literacy. The country is set to establish considerable data center capabilities by mobilizing significant investments and developing a skilled workforce capable of addressing its increasing AI needs. Initiatives such as a “GPU for Everyone” program and the establishment of a National Data Library exemplify Türkiye’s strategic vision to evolve from simply consuming AI technologies to actively managing its own data and computational resources.
### Transforming Geographic Advantages into Digital Infrastructure
Artificial intelligence transcends mere software development; it is fundamentally intertwined with energy and infrastructure issues. Large-scale data centers require stable electricity, advanced grids, cooling systems, and high-capacity connectivity. Türkiye’s aspiration to achieve its data center goals relies heavily on establishing reliable energy infrastructure, as recent energy corridor projects aim to position Türkiye as a pivotal energy and compute nexus between Europe and Asia.
This transformation could leverage Türkiye’s significant geographic position. If the country meets its ambitious energy and infrastructure targets, it could develop a competitive advantage in the AI domain, creating a conducive environment for talent and technological advancement.
### The Future of AI in Türkiye
Türkiye’s approach to AI does not necessitate the replication of general-purpose AI models developed by leaders like OpenAI and Google DeepMind. Instead, it can concentrate on its areas of strength, such as defense, autonomous systems, and localized AI solutions for industries and languages. By fostering a distributed AI ecosystem in collaboration with regional partners, Türkiye stands to benefit from collective advancements rather than attempting to build isolated centers of technology.
Ultimately, EVREN’s impact should not solely be quantified by user numbers but rather by tangible outcomes. The focus should shift toward how many domestic models get developed, the number of startups leveraging the platform, and the translation of defense innovations into civilian applications. The challenging path ahead involves navigating issues of access to cutting-edge technology, energy resources, and skilled manpower.
As Türkiye seeks to position itself as a substantial AI hub in its region, the evolution of EVREN could play a crucial role in redefining national sovereignty in this new digital age. Control over data and computing resources is set to become a critical measure of economic and strategic power for nations, making the significance of EVREN even more profound.