“Education either makes a nation live as a free, independent, glorious, and sublime social society or leaves a nation in slavery and misery.”
Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK
On the occasion of the ceremony organized by our educational institutions, we honored our esteemed leader, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with utmost respect, gratitude, and fond remembrance.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished individuals, including Oğuz Güleç, Chairperson of the Board of Directors; Erman Süsler, Vice Chairperson; Ebru Arpacı, General Manager of Educational Institutions; and Suat Çetin, Secretary General, as well as our school directors, teachers, scout students, and staff.
The event, moderated by Erdem Yağız, our Sports Coordinator, commenced with a moment of silence at 9:05 AM in honor of our Great Leader, during which a wreath was placed at the bust of Atatürk by Oğuç Güleç and Ebru Arpacı.
Following the moment of silence, the Turkish National Anthem was performed, and Suzan Demir, the Team Leader for Secondary School Turkish and Social Studies, delivered a ceremonial address.
In her address, she articulated: “Commemorating transcends mere remembrance. It encompasses the resonance of his voice reverberating within the depths of our hearts and the eternal embodiment of his ideas in every breath we take. Each year since that fateful November morning in 1938, as we bear the sorrow of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s departure, we have profoundly recognized the enduring significance of his presence through his ideologies, beliefs, and courage”, and continued:
“Atatürk stands as the emblem of a nation reborn from its ashes, representing the audacity to innovate and the recognition of our inherent strength. In his declaration, ‘My greatest work is the Republic’, he imparted a collective responsibility to all of us. Furthermore, when he stated, ‘Science is the only true guide in the world, ’ he bestowed upon us an everlasting illumination to guide our progress. Today, our objective is to pursue his legacy without diminishing that light and to elevate our nation through knowledge, diligence, love, and ethical principles. Today, we collectively experience an indescribable sorrow. This grief serves as a manifestation of our enduring love and gratitude towards Atatürk, rather than a sentiment of despair”.
Following Suzan Demir’s address, our 11th-grade student, Defne A., delivered an impactful statement:
“The legacy of Atatürk is not merely a remembrance; it serves as a guiding principle that shapes our daily actions and illuminates our path. His foresight, courage, and humanity continue to exemplify the ideals we aspire to uphold. It is incumbent upon us to expand this legacy through our own initiatives and contributions, thereby leading our Republic towards a brighter future”.
The ceremony, held in honor of our esteemed leader, concluded with a profound sense of melancholy and reflection in our hearts.
To read the complete speech delivered by our teacher, Suzan Demir, please click here.
To read the complete speech delivered by our student, Defne, please click here.
In this memorial week, through the relentless efforts, hopes, and determination of our students…
On November 10, during the Commemoration Day and Week dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a series of events was organized to honor our esteemed leader. On November 6, an event titled “Addressing Our Leader” involved students singing songs in tribute, while an art exhibition entitled “On the Path of Atatürk” showcased numerous artistic works reflecting his legacy.
As part of these commemorative activities, we sampled some of Atatürk’s favorite foods and listened to his preferred music during recess periods. On the designated daybook located in front of the Atatürk bust within our school, we recorded messages rich in emotion under the title “To the Great Atatürk”. Additionally, as part of our activities, 16 students from the 10th grade maintained a vigil for “Respect to our Leader” during recess periods.
We shall persist in honoring our esteemed leader with reverence, appreciation, and a deep sense of yearning for all time, guided by the principles of his enduring revolutions and philosophies, in reflection of his profound statement, “To see me does not necessarily mean to see my face. If you understand and feel my ideas and feelings, that is enough”.