Question 1

Why does the sentence end with the bare infinitive kalkındırmak without any tense endings?

Accepted Answer

In Turkish, an infinitive with -mAk can act as a predicate noun. The sentence literally equates the subject (his aim) with the action (to develop). You can optionally add the 'to be' copula -tır at the end (kalkındırmaktır) to make it sound more formal or factual, but the bare infinitive is completely natural and common in everyday language.

Question 2

The verb is kalkındırmak. How does the -dır suffix change the root verb?

Accepted Answer

The root is kalkınmak, an intransitive verb meaning 'to develop' or 'to prosper' (like a country developing on its own). The -dır is a causative suffix that makes it transitive, meaning 'to make [something] develop' or 'to boost'. This is why it can take a direct object in this sentence.

Question 3

Why is bölge marked with the accusative case (bu bölgeyi) if the verb is just an infinitive?

Accepted Answer

Even when a verb is in its infinitive -mAk form and acting as a noun for the whole sentence, it still behaves like a verb toward its own inner objects. Since bu bölge (this region) is the specific direct object of the transitive action kalkındırmak, it must take the definite accusative suffix -(y)i.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the comma after gayesi?

Accepted Answer

In Turkish, it is very common to place a comma right after the subject of the sentence (Onun tek gayesi). This visually and rhythmically separates the subject from the predicate block (bu bölgeyi kalkındırmak), preventing ambiguity and making the sentence much easier to parse.

Onun tek gayesi, bu bölgeyi kalkındırmak.

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