President Aslan’s message for May 19th

Chairman of the Van Organized Industrial Zone Management Board, Memet Aslan, released a message on the occasion of May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. Chairman Memet Aslan stated in his message, “May 19, 1919 is the day of resurrection of the peoples in the Anatolian geography. It is a symbol of rebellion against oppression and invasion. The Ottoman Empire, which suffered defeat in World War I, lost many of its lands. The occupying forces had been waiting for this day they had dreamed of for centuries. The invaders surrounding the Anatolian lands moved to occupy the last Islamic lands remaining in the hands of the Ottomans. The Mebusan Parliament was occupied, the government had completely fallen under their control. Western powers moved their fleets to the shores of Istanbul. They made all preparations to deliver the final blow. It was at this point that officers, intellectuals, patriots who thought of their homeland and people and did not accept this invasion and oppression, took action. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who could not organize in Istanbul, started the struggle for liberation of historic proportions from a journey on a ferry. It is more honorable to die than to live in captivity. Therefore, ‘independence or death.’ With this motto, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who set foot in Samsun, set out to enlighten the Anatolian peoples, organize them, and prepare a systematic work program. Meetings, congresses, and resolutions were held in many parts of Anatolia to outline the main portrait of the struggle to be waged against the occupation. Disorganized forces were brought together under one roof to ensure coordination. Administrative, military, and economic measures were taken to unite against the occupation. The Anatolian peoples, who do not trade their independence, freedom, love of country and nation for anything, cleansed their homeland from the occupiers by displaying an unprecedented struggle example with a new leadership. With these feelings, I remember with mercy and gratitude all the martyrs, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who sacrificed themselves for the unity and integrity of the nation, the salvation of the country, and its indivisible integrity. I wish health and well-being to our veterans. I congratulate the May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.