H.E. President Abdullah Gül’s Message on May 19 the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day

“My fellow citizens,

Dear youth,

I would like to extend my good wishes to you all on May 19, the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day that we are celebrating with great pride

Atatürk’s arrival in Samsun on May 19, 1919 was not only the very beginning of the history of our republic but also the first step toward a great future for our nation and country.

Our august nation initiated an extraordinary struggle under the leadership of Atatürk for the salvation of our land and for our country of which the next generation would be proud to live in.

The most important outcome of the Independence War for the Turkish and world history is that with our victory a modern state based on national sovereignty and adopting universal values was founded.

The Republic of Turkey is a great work that the will of the Turkish nation and its determination to live freely created.

The process initiated on May 19, 1919 continued incessantly with comprehensive changes and huge reforms after the proclamation of the Republic. The great efforts and developments displayed with the nation’s resoluteness in union and solidarity pave the way for the Republic of Turkey to grow in all areas.

Turkey today is continuing to develop with the very goals it has determined. Our country is changing and going through a great transformation period.

Turkey has become a linchpin country whose democracy has matured, that has implemented significant reforms in terms of the human rights and freedoms, that is interested in the world’s problems and that stands out and creates a difference with the active and dynamic stances it displays in the international platform.

In this modern world where the balances swiftly change, it is of utmost importance that we not stray, holding our vision for a robust vision.

We must determine the right objectives and priorities and establish the right policies that we can implement.

Our dynamic youth is our biggest advantage in constructing a democratic, strong and prosperous Turkey for the future.

We consider our youth to be our country’s most valuable treasure and the guarantee of our future.

Atatürk granted the Turkish youth the day he arrived in Samsun as a festival because he trusted in them. Atatürk, finding Turkey’s future in the youth, also entrusted our republic to the youth so that it could live for good.

Dear youth,

The generations before you left a huge legacy by making great efforts with belief for you. I have no doubt that you as the resource of hope for our nation appreciate and cherish this very fact.

You will play a key role in the development of our country with your potential and resoluteness.

Therefore, it is our greatest aim to provide for you in the best way with all the quality education that modernity necessitates.

The most significant criteria for success are self-confidence and hard work. Furthermore, you should always aim for the sky. You should also be open to new things and changes.

In order to understand the direction the globalized world is heading, you should look for and delve into knowledge and read extensively.

Moreover, it is crucial that you believe in our country’s strength and that you allocate your energy and time accordingly.

We wholeheartedly believe that you as the future statesmen, politicians, educators, scientists, artists and the representatives of other professions will crown our country with your achievements in science, economy, international relations, education, culture and arts and sports.

We are convinced that under any circumstances and every time you will act as per the value Atatürk and our nation attach on you and the trust they have for you.

I hereby would like to reiterate my belief in the Turkish youth and remember Atatürk and all the heroes of our Independence War with gratitude and respect.

And I celebrate our youth’s and nation’s May 19 the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.”