The enthusiasm of May 19th couldn’t fit into the streets

Osmangazi Municipality organized the 1st Osmangazi Youth March as part of the celebrations of May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, which took place with the participation of thousands of people. Famous singer Haluk Levent also took part in the march, joining the enthusiasm of the people of Bursa for May 19th.

Osmangazi Municipality elevated the enthusiasm of May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, a gift from the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to Turkish youth, to its peak with the 1st Osmangazi Youth March. The 1st Osmangazi Youth March, organized to share the May 19th enthusiasm with all residents of Osmangazi from 7 to 70 years old, started at Fomara Square at 19:19. Citizens, accompanied by a band, carried Turkish flags meters long while walking. Thousands of people from Bursa who participated in the march walked from Fevzi Çakmak Street to Osmangazi Square holding lanterns and flags, singing songs and anthems.

Osmangazi Mayor Erkan Aydın, emphasizing that the foundation of the fully independent Republic of Turkey was laid 105 years ago on May 19th, stated, “105 years ago, the Bandırma Ship set sail from Galata Port, with Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms, and docked in Samsun on May 19th. These lands did not come to us out of the blue, if they had not landed in Samsun with the Bandırma Ship that day, none of us would be here today. If we can organize these events today, if the call to prayer is recited in our mosques, if we can perform our worship, it is thanks to them. We remember with gratitude, appreciation, and mercy all the heroes who presented these lands to us as a homeland, especially Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms. We celebrate May 19th in a way worthy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, and all our martyrs. Together, we will protect their legacy, the Republic of Turkey, forever.”

Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey expressed that May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in Bursa, stating, “105 years ago, on May 16th, Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms set sail from Istanbul on the Bandırma ship and reached Samsun on May 19th, starting a process where the torch of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey was lit. We are indebted to everyone who presented these lands to us as a homeland, especially Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms. Thanks to the step taken to Anatolia 105 years ago, the Turkish nation gained its independence. Therefore, May 19th is very important. It is essential to embrace and celebrate this holiday that Atatürk gifted to the youth with enthusiasm. Passing on this holiday to future generations is our responsibility. From now on, our national and religious holidays will be celebrated with enthusiasm in Bursa as well.”

CHP Bursa Provincial Chairman Nihat Yeşiltaş emphasized that May 19th is not just a date, saying, “May 19th is a rebellion and uprising against imperialism. May 19th is the day when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms took the first step to realize this dream of establishing an independent country. While some boarded English ships and fled, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk set out from Samsun, organized the people of Anatolia, and laid the foundation of the fully independent Republic of Turkey. He entrusted this country to us. With our youth, we will protect this legacy and keep it alive forever.”

Nilüfer Municipality Mayor Şadi Özdemir stated, “May 19th means independence, freedom. It means the right of women to vote and be elected. May 19th means democracy, equal opportunities for all our youth. If we are talking about democracy, freedoms today, it is thanks to Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms who landed in Samsun on May 19th, 105 years ago. Atatürk knew the value of the youth. Our youth also know the value of their ancestors very well. Today, they are celebrating the holiday gifted to them by their ancestors with enthusiasm.” Haluk Levent, the famous singer, said in his speech:

“What makes today meaningful is not just a holiday; it is enthusiasm for the future, hope for tomorrow, becoming hope for the future. We should always seek the answer to how much more beautiful we can make this country. I congratulate all our youth on May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.”