President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the opening of a ceremony including the works of Olgunlaşma Institute students organized on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the National Anthem (Independence March).

 

Addressing the inauguration of the "100th Anniversary of National Anthem Exhibition" organized in the Turkish Parliament's Honor Hall, President Erdoğan stated that he commemorated poet Mehmet Akif  Ersoy  with respect and longing.

 

"No doubt that poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy, author of our National Anthem, is among the most important figures who lived on this soil in the last century. Being one of the symbols of our Independence War and science and knowledge tradition, Mehmet Akif has a special place in our hearts with his immortal works, courageous personality and example moral values," said President Erdoğan.

 

Erdoğan stressed that in addition of being the author of an independence declaration namely our national anthem, Mehmet Akif Ersoy was a true Islamic intellectual with his life and pride adding that he was a special poet who used Turkish perfectly in his poems which blends deep thoughts with the most beautiful words.

 

President Erdoğan noted that Akif who worked as an officer of Teşkikatı Mahsusa (a secret organization founded in order to carry out intelligence services both in the country and abroad) during the World War I in various spots varying from Berlin to Balkan countries and from Damascus to Lebanon, was also an resistance leader.

 

Stressing that Mehmet Akif Ersoy had visited every single village and city of Anatolia in an effort to prevent the collapse of a 600 year old empire, President Erdoğan went on to say:

 

"His address to the people in Balıkesir Zağanos Paşa Mosque and Ankara Taceddin Convents became the symbol of determination against despair, wisdom against pessimism and independence against surrender. His speech at the Kastamonu Nasrullah Mosque was immortal.

 

"Words of national anthem written by Ersoy reflect the characteristic and emotional world of the Turkish people as well as their passion for freedom and independence " stated Erdoğan, "These words also display the national and moral values of our people and the anthem vaccinated hope and courage to people in the darkest days of the country."

 

Noting that Mehmet Akif was the poet of those who do not surrender to cruelty and stand against injustice, Erdoğan said, "He was the poet of all the oppressed people. He is a respected common value of our people and he will continue to remain as a national hero until the end of time."

 

President Erdoğan stated that he dedicated his works and ideas to the people of his country and he will be remembered with his exemplary life.

 

Erdoğan stressed; "Our National Anthem does not only symbolize our independence, it is a national commitment document that unites 84 million people of the country. In this country, we have differing political views, beliefs, faiths but our National Anthem is the common ground of the entire population of the country."

 

Reminding that 2021 was declared as the "Year of the National Anthem" upon the common request of 5 political parties in the Parliament, Erdoğan went on to say:

 

"A small part of the society feels uncomfortable while singing the national anthem, adding that they do not hesitate to show their discomfort openly.

 

It is clear that they have a problem with the country's independence and future, he stressed. However, despite them, we continue to cherish our independence," the president added.

 

On Turkey's fight against terrorism, Erdogan said just as it rejected the unfair Treaty of Sevres a century years ago, Turkey will not bow down to modern Sevres being pushed by the terror groups of Daesh/ISIS, YPG/PKK, Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

 

The Treaty of Sevres, which was an unfair pact imposed on the Ottoman Empire after World War I, was replaced by the Treaty of Lausanne -- signed by Turkey on one side and Britain, France, Italy, Greece, and their allies on the other -- recognizing the modern Turkish state

 

"We will gather the entire 84 million people of our country and together we will build the future. I believe that as long as we embrace the values mentioned in our anthem, we will look at the future with confidence. 2021 is important as it is an opportunity for the reinforcement of our eternal brotherhood. There is no doubt that learning and teaching the life of our poet who wrote the lines starting with; 'Do not fear!' is the way. We wish that all parts of our society, especially young people who are the guarantees of our future will learn and understand his life, struggles and principles," said President Erdoğan and called on people to visit the exhibition under the condition of complying with pandemic conditions.