“The Republic at Its 100th Anniversary" panel organized with the collaboration of Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Atatürk Research and Application Center (ATAUM) and the EMU Atatürk Ideology Club took place on Monday, 23 October, 2023 at 14:30 at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center with the participation of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Vice President and Parliamentary Spokesperson Zorlu Töre. Public and students showed great interest in the event which was broadcasted live by EMU TV and BRT 3.
The panel, featuring the 26th Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Republic (Ret.) General İlker Başbuğ and Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı as guest speakers was attended by a number of distinguished individuals, including the Ombudsman İlkan Varol, the Head of the Civil Defense Organization Atilla Karaca, the President of the EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) President Dr. Erdal Özcenk, the Acting Rector of EMU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer, the Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Remziye Terkan, the Mayor of Famagusta Dr. Süleyman Uluçay, VYK members, deans, faculty members, and a large number of students.
Commenced with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, the panel continued with an opening speech by the President of EMU-ATAUM, Assist. Prof. Dr. Turgay Bülent Göktürk who expressed that they had gathered at this panel to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, which Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk famously referred to as his “greatest work”. Assist. Prof. Dr. Göktürk emphasized that their primary goal is to contribute to the students, who will be the future leaders of the country, in evaluating today correctly and making accurate predictions about the future.
“We are Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Republic”
Addressing the participants at the beginning of the event, EMU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Tümer mentioned that they are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Republic that the Turkish Nation achieved as a result of the national liberation struggle. Prof. Dr. Tümer expressed gratitude on behalf of the university to Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı and Retired General İlker Başbuğ for sharing this enthusiasm with the EMU community. Moreover, in his speech, Prof. Dr. Tümer read verses from the famous Turkish National Anthem written by Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who is also the author of the national anthem for both the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Then, he reminded the students of the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, saying, "O youth, full of spirit, you are the future. In the name of the Republic, we founded it, and you will be the ones to elevate and perpetuate it," marking the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic.
“The Republic of Turkey and TRNC are Memory of Esteemed Martyrs”
Also delivering a speech at the beginning of the panel, TRNC Vice President and Parliamentary Spokesperson Zorlu Töre commenced his speech by celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey and continued his words by emphasizing the existence of the Turkish States Organization and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Moreover, Töre noted that the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are a tribute to the revered martyrs and stated that they will never allow any harm to come to the Republic and these lands, and the greatest legacy they will leave to the young generation after them is undoubtedly the Republic of Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the Turkish States. Töre expressed their excitement for the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey and emphasized that the past 100 years will shed light on the next 100 years. Töre also stressed the importance of understanding the Atatürk ideology and mindset, along with the need to grasp the teachings of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Dr. Fazıl Küçük, and Rauf Raif Denktaş. Töre concluded his speech by wishing for the souls of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Dr. Fazıl Küçük, and Rauf Raif Denktaş to rest in peace and expressed his hopes for the students’ success in their lives.
Following the speeches, TRNC Vice President and Parliamentary Spokesperson Zorlu Töre presented a framed photograph of Rauf Raif Denktaş to Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı and Retired General İlker Başbuğ.
Following Mustafa Kemal’s Footsteps in the 100th year of Republic…
The panel continued with a presentation titled “Following Mustafa Kemal’s Footsteps in the 100th year of Republic” by EMU-ATAUM Senior Instructor Süheyla Göktürk. Prior to the presentation, Göktürk shared that when they set out on this journey, they had a dream. They aimed to visit the places where Mustafa Kemal was born, the schools he attended, the locations where he served, and the battlefields of the War of Independence and present such a program to the participants. Göktürk mentioned that they had visited 6 countries and 15 cities. Adding more, Süheyla Göktürk highlighted that as the young people of the past who had served the Republic, they are now sharing the life and accomplishments of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with today's youth, believing that today's youth will protect and elevate the Republic with the same feelings. Göktürk expressed her wish that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk would continue to be a guiding light for everyone on the 100th anniversary of the Republic.
The panel continued with a presentation of “Following Mustafa Kemal’s Footsteps in the 100th year of Republic” prepared by EMU-ATAUM President Assist. Prof. Dr. Göktürk, EMU-ATAUM Senior Instructor Süheyla Göktürk and EMU TV. Following the presentation, EMU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Tümer presented crystal souvenir with EMU logo to EMU-ATAUM Senior Instructor Süheyla Göktürk.
Prof. Dr. Ortaylı and Başbuğ answered the questions of the Youth
Historian Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı and Retired General İlker Başbuğ, the 26th Chief of the General Staff of the Republic of Turkey, met with participants in a panel moderated by Assist. Prof. Dr. Göktürk, the President of EMU-ATAUM. After their speeches, they answered questions from young attendees. Following the panel, EMU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Tümer presented a silver platter to Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, Retired General İlker Başbuğ, and a crystal plaque with the EMU logo to Assist. Prof. Dr. Göktürk.
100th Year of the Republic Walk to be organized
Within the scope of the cerebration events, “100th Year of the Republic Walk” will be held on Sunday, 29 October, 2023 at 19:23. The event will commence from the EMU Atatürk Square and end at Sakarya Roundabout.
