The event, held in honor of 19 May, marked the significant day when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived in Samsun and started the National Struggle, celebrated with pride and enthusiasm.
The ceremony, organized to reflect the meaning and significance of the day, began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by the opening speech of Prof. Rıfat MUTUŞ, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
After the opening speech, Asst. Prof. A. Yüksel BARUT gave a presentation, accompanied by slides, in which he stated:
“Today, we have gathered to commemorate one of the most crucial turning points in the history of the Turkish Nation, 19 May 1919. This significant day not only marks the beginning of a liberation movement but also the day Mustafa Kemal lit the torch of independence with our people. Although the hands carrying the torch have changed, the torch itself has always remained immortal. I appreciate your participation in carrying this immortal torch and passing it on to those after us.
Mustafa Kemal, when he said, 'Do not attribute a miraculous birth to me. The only extraordinary thing about my birth is that I was born a Turk,' described the denial of a leader’s own miracles and his merging of his positive qualities with his nation.
When Mustafa Kemal stepped onto the soil of Samsun on the morning of May 19, 1919, he carried the burden of an exhausted empire but held in his heart a great belief that the Turkish nation would never be enslaved and would tear through the darkness to reach the light.
In the first chapter of his speech, Nutuk, under the section titled "My Decision," he wrote down the thoughts behind his acceptance of the task: 'In fact, the Ottoman Empire’s foundations had collapsed, and its life had come to an end. The Ottoman lands had been completely fragmented. There was only a homeland left, where a handful of Turks resided. The final issue was the partitioning of this land. The Ottoman Empire, its independence, the sultan, the caliph, the government—all of these had become meaningless words. Who and what would they ask help for in the name of inviolability? So, what could the real and true decision be? Gentlemen, in this situation, there was only one decision to make: to establish a new Turkish state based on national sovereignty without any conditions! This was the decision we had in mind even before leaving Istanbul, and we began applying it as soon as we set foot on the land of Anatolia in Samsun'.
When Mustafa Kemal landed in Samsun on May 19, 1919, he was not only addressing a geographical region but also a nation: 'Wake up! Stand up! Take your destiny into hands!' Mustafa Kemal’s first step was not only for Anatolia but for the heart of the Turkish nation as well.
Was it to bring hope to the oppressed hearts of a people under enemy occupation in Anatolia, under the shadow of enemy boots? No! But Mustafa Kemal Paşa believed, 'The Turkish nation is hardworking, the Turkish nation is intelligent.'
Later, on September 4, 1919, the Sivas Congress... At the Sivas Congress, Mustafa Kemal had defined his journey from the slogan "Independence or Death" to "Armies, your first target is the Mediterranean."
Dr. A. Yüksel BARUT continued, 'On October 20, 1927, Atatürk addressed you, us, and the youth in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.'
Upon this statement, the students of the Audiology Department recited Atatürk’s Address to the Youth.
The speech concluded with, "It is our duty to elevate our Republic and bring it above the level of contemporary civilizations! Let us never forget that our material existence is temporary. What remains is only our works. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk left us many works in the brief time he lived. Our duty is to protect these works and act in accordance with his principles. We honor all our heroes, especially Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with respect, gratitude, and reverence. We pledge to protect our republic, our independence, and our bright future forever…”
After Dr. Asst. Prof. A. Yüksel BARUT's presentation and speech, one of the most enthusiastic moments of the event was the Zeybek dance performance by two students. The students received acclaim for their performance. The powerful stance and honorable figures in the Zeybek dance gave the audience both emotional and proud moments.
Following the Zeybek performance, five couples took the stage and mesmerized the audience with a tango, one of Atatürk’s favorite dances. The tango performance was highly praised for its elegance and harmony. After the tango, the IGU Youth Choir performed, presenting a musical feast filled with national anthems, songs, and Turkish folk music beloved by Atatürk. Our students, with their strong voices and harmonious performances, provided the audience with emotionally charged moments.
At the end of the ceremony, participants were thanked, and plaques and certificates of appreciation were given to those who contributed. The 19 May Atatürk Commemoration of Youth and Sports Day portion of the event was concluded.
