Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who attended the commemoration program organized for the 104th anniversary of the adoption of the National Anthem, said, “The National Anthem is one of the most powerful texts that shapes our bond with the past, our struggle with the present and our vision of the future.”
In the program where the struggle, world of ideas and spirit of independence of National Poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy were discussed, Ersoy said, “Today, we have come together here to commemorate the 104th anniversary of the adoption of our National Anthem, the most powerful symbol of the Turkish nation's struggle for independence. On such a meaningful day, I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for embracing the precious memory of our National Poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy.”
Emphasizing that nations have experienced great breaking points throughout history, Ersoy said, “Sultan Alp Arslan opening the gates of Anatolia in Malazgirt and Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquering Istanbul are such important turning points. However, one of the greatest revivals experienced in these lands was undoubtedly during the years of the War of Independence.”
Stating that that period was not only a military and political war, Ersoy said, “The seven powers had come to us not only to occupy our lands, but also to weaken our spiritual world and to spiritually enslave our nation. However, a nation whose character is independence would not kneel down no matter what. We stood in the War of Independence just as we stood in Malazgirt, Kosovo, and Çanakkale.”
Stating that the National Anthem is not just a victory poem, Ersoy said, “It was born in a war, but it is not just a victory poem; it is a text of consciousness that tells the character of a nation, proclaims the love of independence, and gives identity to generations. The National Anthem written by Akif is not just a poem, it is the epic of the revival of a nation.”
“Akif’s Pen and Words Are Among the Greatest Values of All Times”
Expressing that Mehmet Akif Ersoy’s pen and words are one of the greatest values of all time, Ersoy said, “He was an intellectual who managed to ignite a light in the darkness that the nation fell into, without fear or fear. Today, what is happening in Palestine, East Turkestan, Syria and many oppressed regions of the world shows that we need to hear Akif’s voice more strongly. While the world is writhing in chaos again, this spirit that Akif entrusted to us is the spirit that humanity needs the most.”
Expressing that this program is not only a commemoration, but also an indication of the determination to protect Mehmet Akif's legacy and keep that spirit alive, Ersoy remembered National Poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the heroes of the War of Independence, all martyrs and veterans with mercy, and thanked Sebilürreşad, Mehmet Akif's family and everyone who contributed.
Following his speech, Minister Ersoy opened the Sebilürreşad 116th Year and Independence in the Skies exhibitions.
