500 people danced Zeybek from 7 to 70 for the Republic.

On the 101st anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, a 500-person Zeybek performance in Balıkesir amazed the spectators. Participants lined up to spell “1923”, and the audience experienced emotional moments in response to this surprise. Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Akın attended the performance with his wife and child and danced Zeybek with the 500 participants.

Balıkesir, the capital of the Kuva-yi Milliye where the first shots were fired during the National Struggle, has been celebrating the 101st year of the Republic with great enthusiasm for days. While the spirit of the Republic is felt in every corner of the city, a Zeybek performance was showcased in collaboration with the Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality and the Balıkesir City Council with the participation of approximately 500 people. The Zeybek performance, which everyone from 7 to 70 participated in voluntarily, was held at the Çamlık Hilal Minaret. Mayor Ahmet Akın participated in the performance with his wife Arbil Akın and son Erdal Akın. Sharing the festive spirit, Akın danced Zeybek with 500 people. The large team performing Zeybek lined up to form the words “1923”. The audience had emotional moments in response to this surprise.

“Balıkesir is committed to the Republic”

Ahmet Akın, the Mayor of Balıkesir, who accompanied the volunteers during the Zeybek performance, stated, “We are with my Balıkesir family. We are all in the streets and squares to celebrate the 101st anniversary of the Republic with great enthusiasm. This is the capital of the Kuva-yi Milliye. The first and last shots were fired here. In a manner befitting the capital of Kuva-yi Milliye, we embrace everyone without separating anyone, and we are committed to protecting the Republic entrusted to us until the end. On this occasion, we commemorate our Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades, and all our martyrs who shed blood and gave their lives for this homeland with great gratitude and appreciation. Balıkesir is committed to the Republic. It follows in Atatürk’s footsteps. It does everything possible to uphold the Republic. The Republic is in safe hands,” he said.

“This year is very different”

Meral Tekin, a member of the Zeybek performance team, expressed, “I hope to see another 101 years of our Republic. We are here voluntarily. It is wonderful to celebrate the Republic together as Balıkesir with all people. This year is much more different. The Republic and Atatürk are very important to us. I would also like to thank our Metropolitan Municipality for their contributions,” she said.

“I am happy and proud”

Gamze Şen, who participated in the Zeybek performance, expressed her feelings: “I attended with a friend. I am very happy and proud to be part of such an organization. I thank everyone who contributed. It is a holiday that everyone should participate in and celebrate.”

“This year is more enthusiastic”

Berrin Elmas stated that the spirit of the Republic is felt more this year in Balıkesir: “We are celebrating the 101st anniversary of our Republic with honor, pride, and joy. For the first time in Balıkesir, we are celebrating such an enthusiastic and wonderful holiday. First, I would like to thank our mayor and the friends working with him. I truly believe it should be even more enthusiastic every year. We need this. As a Turkish woman, I am proud,” she said.

Together from 7 to 70

Tahir Gündoğan stated, “On the occasion of the 101st anniversary of our Republic, we will play folk dances. Together with everyone from 7 to 70. We are very happy. We owe our Republic to Atatürk. Happy 101st anniversary of our Republic.”