Atatürk commemorated in Gümülcine on the 88th anniversary of his death
A memorial ceremony was held at the Turkish Consulate General in Komotini (Gümülcine), Greece, marking the 88th anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, was commemorated at a ceremony held at the Turkish Consulate General in Komotini (Gümülcine), Greece, on Tuesday, November 10, marking the 88th anniversary of his death.
The ceremony began at 9:05 a.m., the time of Atatürk's death, with a one-minute moment of silence, followed by the Turkish national anthem. Speeches highlighted his life, struggle for independence and the principles and values he established through the founding of the Republic.
ATATÜRK'S IDEAS WILL CONTINUE TO GUIDE FUTURE GENERATIONS
The first address was delivered by Özgür Kaplan, a seconded teacher at the Celal Bayar Minority Secondary School and High School in Komotini.
Kaplan said November 10 was not merely a day of mourning, but also an occasion to remember, understand and preserve the values Atatürk left behind. He described Atatürk not only as the leader who secured the Turkish nation's independence, but also as a visionary who entrusted its future to reason, science, education and modernity.
Emphasising that the Republic was one of Atatürk's greatest achievements, Kaplan said it provided a foundation for free thinking, learning, productivity and approaching the future with hope.
He also addressed the responsibility of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace to pass its identity and cultural heritage on to future generations. He underlined the importance of preserving the Turkish language, protecting cultural values, safeguarding historical heritage and raising children as informed individuals.
Kaplan added that Atatürk's ideas, educational vision and commitment to modernity would continue to guide the Turkish community in Western Thrace. He stressed that keeping Atatürk's legacy alive required more than commemorating him; it also meant understanding his ideas and transmitting his values to future generations.
DEPUTY CONSUL ALİ TOSUN: ATATÜRK TAUGHT THE NATION NEVER TO LOSE HOPE
Ali Tosun, Deputy Consul at the Turkish Consulate General in Komotini, also addressed the ceremony, stating that Atatürk had instilled great hope in the Turkish nation through his struggle and worked tirelessly to ensure that this hope would never fade.
Highlighting that the Republic of Türkiye was Atatürk's greatest legacy, Tosun said his patience, persuasive abilities, knowledge and foresight had enabled him to achieve historic successes.
Tosun noted that one of the most important messages of Atatürk's legacy was the need to maintain hope for the future, regardless of how difficult circumstances might become.
He also stressed that the struggle for independence had not been won through weapons and ammunition alone, but had relied equally on faith, ideals, courage and sacrifice.
Referring to Atatürk's confidence in Turkish youth, Tosun described young people as the most important force in shaping the future. He added that Atatürk's life and the struggle that led to the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye could serve as an inspiration not only to the Turkish nation but also to humanity as a whole.
Tosun further recalled that Atatürk had devoted his life to peace and dedicated himself to the Turkish nation, which had honoured him by granting him the surname Atatürk.
The ceremony concluded with participants commemorating Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with respect, gratitude and longing.
