Atatürk commemorated in Komotini with ceremony by Western Thrace Turks
On the 86th anniversary of his passing, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, was honored in a ceremony in Komotini by the Turkish community of Western Thrace. The event took place at the Turkish Consulate in Komotini, with participation from Consul General Aykut Ünal, his wife İlayda Ünal, consulate staff, local officials, and representatives of various Western Thrace Turkish organizations.
The ceremony began at 9:05 a.m. with a minute of silence and the singing of the Turkish national anthem. Emre Ahmet, president of the Young Academics Society, and Serkan Demir, a teacher serving in Western Thrace from Turkey, gave speeches emphasizing Atatürk's legacy.
In his speech, Consul General Ünal paid tribute to Atatürk, reflecting on his visionary leadership, his belief in the resilience of the Turkish youth, and his commitment to peace and justice. Ünal underscored Atatürk's emphasis on hope, courage, and self-determination, values that shaped modern Türkiye and inspired Turkish-Greek friendship.
Following the commemoration, refreshments were offered to attendees from across Western Thrace, fostering unity among community members from Komotini, Xanthi, and surrounding villages.
