The 86th anniversary of Atatürk’s death was commemorated with respect in Ataşehir.

The founder of the Republic of Turkey, Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was commemorated with love, gratitude, and longing in Ataşehir on the 86th anniversary of his passing. The memorial ceremony in the district took place at Republic Square, where life seemingly came to a standstill at 09:05. Thousands of Ataşehir residents experienced emotional moments as they paid their respects to Atatürk from their balconies, streets, and avenues.

On November 10, 1938, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, closed his eyes to life at the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul. Today marks exactly 86 years since this painful loss. The years following Atatürk’s departure have been years in which a determined nation has continued to exist, committed to preserving his legacy and upholding the values of the Republic. As in every year, this year too, on this special day, all of Turkey commemorated Atatürk with love, respect, and longing, and in Ataşehir, the memorial ceremony reiterated the longing, respect, and gratitude felt for Atatürk.

The ceremony at Republic Square started at 08:30 with the laying of a wreath at the Atatürk Monument. The event continued with a moment of silence at 09:05 as sirens sounded, followed by the reading of the National Anthem. As in the rest of the country, flags were lowered to half-mast in Ataşehir. During the moment of silence, citizens walking in the streets and avenues also stopped to show their respect for Atatürk.

The official ceremony at Republic Square was attended by Ataşehir Mayor Onursal Adıgüzel, Ataşehir District Governor Bekir Dınkırcı, Supply Colonel Aziz Arslan on behalf of the Garrison Command, CHP Istanbul MP Ali Gökçek, representatives of political parties, members of civil society organizations, veterans, village heads, teachers, students, and many citizens.

“Our love for him will last forever”

After the ceremony, Ataşehir Mayor Onursal Adıgüzel made a speech in which he stated, “Today, on the 86th anniversary of the departure of our Republic’s founder, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, we have gathered to uphold his legacy and keep his ideals alive. Atatürk is not just a leader; he lives in the hearts of the entire Turkish nation as a symbol of freedom, equality, and justice. The Republic established under his leadership is our most valuable treasure. As the children of the Republic, we are determined to follow the bright path shown by Atatürk and to carry our country towards a stronger and brighter future in every field. Our love for him will last forever; it will always exist in our hearts, thoughts, and lives. As we remember Atatürk and his ideals, our commitment to him is once again strengthened and grows.”

After the ceremony, the people of Ataşehir laid flowers at the Atatürk Monument, experiencing emotional moments.