President Erdoğan: The spirit of the War of Independence, which symbolizes the revival of a nation sought to be totally erased from history, sheds light on our path today as well

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the Opening of War of Independence Exhibition on the 97th Anniversary of the Republic at the Nation’s Library.

Addressing the opening ceremony, President Erdoğan greeted the participants, among whom were grandchildren of the heroes who took part in the proclamation of the Republic and the War of Independence.

“BY PROCLAIMING THE REPUBLIC, WE IGNITED THE TORCH OF INDEPENDENCE IN THE HEARTS OF MANY OTHER OPPRESSED NATIONS”

Remembering with respect all the heroes of the Parliament and the army, first and foremost Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who waged the War of Independence and founded the Republic following victory, President Erdoğan offered his gratitude to all who have contributed to the growth and development of the country from the proclamation of the Republic onwards. 

President Erdoğan also extended his thanks to all members of the security forces who fight an epic war both at home and abroad for the country’s integrity, the nation’s unity and the state’s future.

“The spirit and excitement of the War of Independence, which symbolizes the revival of a nation sought to be totally erased from history and its homeland, shed light on our path today as well,” the President said, noting that with every victory Turkey achieves in its region, it further strengthens the bridge extending from past to future.

President Erdoğan continued: “By ending the War of Independence with victory and proclaiming thereafter the Republic, we ignited the torch of independence in the hearts of many other oppressed nations. This, actually, was what the imperialists who descended upon Anatolia like scavengers were afraid of. The flames of independence which spread all the way across the area extending from the Balkans to South Asia were lit in Anatolia. Likewise, the struggle we are now waging instills, yet again, hope in many victims and oppressed people who have pinned their eyes and hearts on us.”

“THE BRIDGE FROM PAST TO FUTURE REMAINS INCOMPLETE UNLESS WE LEARN OUR HISTORY”

“I am hearing the footsteps of a youth that has self-confidence, works determinedly, researches, produces, develops and stays focused on the target rather than admiring others,” the President said. Underlining the importance of teaching the youth the Turkish nation’s struggle which extends from the Victory of Manzikert to the War of Independence and continues up until today, President Erdoğan said: “Our greatest strength comes from this historical heritage. Without truly learning this heritage, the July 15 cannot be understood, nor can the value of the Republic be grasped, nor can the Seljuk heritage be comprehended. In other words, the bridge from past to future remains incomplete and nonfunctional unless we learn our history. The War of Independence Exhibition, which we are now opening on the 97th anniversary of the Republic at the Nation’s Library, enlightens just a small section of this process.”