The National Anthem of Turkey (̇stikla Marşı) personifies the will, determination and desire of the Turkish people to independence.
This is stated in the message of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion of 104 – the anniversary of the adoption of the national anthem of Turkey and the memory of the Turkish poet Mehmet Akif Ersa – March 12
The Turkish leader said that the date on March 12, 1921 was not only the adoption of the anthem, but also the symbol of the revival of the nation and the struggle for freedom.
The author of the words of the national anthem of Turkey, Mehmet Akif Ersa left a unique heritage, reflecting in his works the feelings and aspirations of the Turkish nation, Erdogan noted. “The late akif was not only a poet, but also a patriot, a glowing love of independence. On the most gloomy days of history, he wrote epics about the struggle for the freedom of our people, strengthened the courage of the nation and became a source of the fighting spirit,” follows from the message.
The national anthem, being one of the fundamental texts of the Turkish Republic, most vividly and concisely reflects the key values of the Turkish people: love for the homeland, the desire for independence and national self -awareness, the president noted.
The Turkish people will continue to invariably protect the values laid down in the national anthem and remain the faithful ideals of the late akif, the head of state emphasized.
“On the 104th anniversary of the adoption of our national anthem with deep respect and gratitude, the memory of all the heroes who gave the lives for the freedom of our homeland, especially the deceased Mehmet Akif Ersoy, whose works became the greatest embodiment of nobility, honor and struggle for the independence of the Turkish people,” added Erdogan.