The Beşiktaş Club commemorated Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Beşiktaş Club commemorated Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, on the 86th anniversary of his passing with a ceremony held in his honor.

The memorial ceremony, which took place in front of the Tüpraş Stadium, began with a moment of silence. Beşiktaş President Hasan Arat, board members, congress members, athletes from different branches and age groups, as well as fans attended the event. President Hasan Arat and board members laid flowers at the Dolmabahçe Palace Commemoration Hall.

In his speech at the ceremony, Beşiktaş President Hasan Arat said:

“Dear Beşiktaş supporters, today we gather to commemorate the spiritual personality, thoughts, and works of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the 86th anniversary of his passing. His greatest legacy is undoubtedly the independent Republic of Turkey. Atatürk fought throughout his life for the Turkish nation to have an independent, civilized, and modern state.

From the age of 12 when he enrolled in Military Rüştiye until his death at the age of 57, his path and ideals never changed. For Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, no victory achieved without reaching the ideals of Turkishness is absolute. He regarded the Turkish nation as deserving of high qualities and ideals in every aspect of life. The wars he led in this ideal have gone down in military history, shaped the course of history, and made Anatolia the last bastion of humanity against imperialism.

His ideas have illuminated not only our great nation but also oppressed nations, younger generations, and all the leaders of his time. His revolutions empowered the young Republic to compete with contemporary civilizations and brought our nation, which fears nothing but God, the education and experience to operate across the four corners of the world.

Today, from Dolmabahçe, where the Great Leader last gazed upon the world, I address all Beşiktaş supporters and our great nation. Embrace the ideas that Atatürk entrusted to this noble nation. Never lose hope. Do not forget his words. I have no doubt that the forgotten great civil traits and abilities of Turkishness will rise like a new sun from the horizon of future high civilizations.

Atatürk demonstrated that nations could draw their own destiny by achieving the impossible where everything was said to be over. He ensured that our nation fought the most genuine War of Independence in history without showing that the nation needed a leader by saying that the nation’s independence would be saved by the nation’s determination and decision. Until the day he closed his eyes in Dolmabahçe, his only wish regarding himself was to be remembered. Here, I once again promise to our great leader. Great Atatürk, this nation will never forget you. On behalf of the Turkish nation, of which I am proud to be a member, and the Beşiktaş Community, of which I will always be proud, I bow once again with respect before your sacred memory and commemorate Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with eternal mercy and gratitude. Great Atatürk, the Turkish nation will never forget you. It will forever uphold your thoughts, revolutions, and the Republic.”