The founder of our republic, great leader and unique hero Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was once again commemorated with love, respect and gratitude by Ondokuz Mayıs University in the 79th year of his death.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Rectors Prof. Mehmet Kuran and Prof. Vedat Ceyhan, faculty deans, assistants to rector, directors of vocational schools, academicians, administrative staff and students.
The commemorative ceremony started with laying a wreath to the Atatürk memorial. Afterwards, when the clocks showed 09:05 attendees stood in one minute silence in the spiritual presence of Atatürk and our dear martyrs and the National Anthem was sung.
OMU Rector Prof. Sait Bilgiç attended the November 10 the Commemoration of Atatürk events organized by the Samsun Governorship in the city center.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director of OMU Atatürk’s Principles and History of Turkish Revolution Research and Application Center Prof. Rıza Karagöz pointed out that even the leaders of the countries, with which Atatürk struggled with throughout his political and military life, can’t help themselves but put Atatürk, who is one of the rare personalities the Turkish people raised, to the very forefront as the military and political genius of the 20th century.
Prof. Karagöz stated that Atatürk was a genius and leaded his people, whom he loved more than his own life, out of the darkness they fell into to a new and bright future with faith and said “Ruining the plans of western imperialism to enslave the Turkish people with the resolution and decidedness of the people themselves, Atatürk showed us how to act against enemies disguised as friends who wish to execute similar plans today.”
Stating that Atatürk was a real leader who guided his people through active, innovative and seminal revolutions in every phase of his life as a real man of vision, Prof. Rıza Karagöz finished his words saying “We once again commemorate and bow with respect in the spiritual presence of dear Atatürk and his fellow fighters with thankfulness and gratitude in his death anniversary as the children of the city of 19 May which had a special place in Atatürk’s life. With the passion we get from his revolutions, we wish a safe journey to the great Turkish people in the path to reach the contemporary civilization pointed as the target by Atatürk.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Rector Prof. Vedat Ceyhan started his speech delivering the message of Rector Prof. Dr. Sait Bilgiç who was present at the ceremony organized by the Samsun Governorate. Summarizing their emotions about the importance of the day saying “Dear valuable OMU members, today, in a very special day, I feel both the passion and sadness to be ready in the presence of Atatürk.”, Prof. Ceyhan stated that Atatürk entrusted us the relic after 1938, drawing a horizon. Vice Rector Ceyhan said they will protect this relic tomorrow as they did today and said “Atatürk and his fellow fighters are not among us, but they are always present in our souls and will continue to do so. Thus, we will continue our biddings with this conscience and self sacrifice and protect the relic.”
Story: Sinan Akdoğan
Photography: Gökhan Çetin