Turkish Nation, Youth, Sports and Atatürk

May we celebrate our holiday, which was first named “Gazi Day” in 1926, then “Atatürk Day” in 1935, “Youth and Sports Day” in 1938, and finally “Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day” in 1981, the centenary of Atatürk's birth.

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The departure of the Bandırma steamer from Istanbul to Samsun on 19 May 1919 marked the beginning of the War of Independence.

In 1926, celebrations were held in Samsun in honour of “Gazi Day”.

On 24 May 1935, also known as “Atatürk Day”, sports clubs in Istanbul organised demonstrations under the name “Atatürk Sports Day”.

Based on his own words that he was born on 19 May, and due to the centenary of his birth, 1981 was declared the “Year of Atatürk” during the Kenan Evren period. The name of the holiday then took its current form: “Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day”.

A healthy mind in a healthy body.

A thirty-eight-year-old young man sets off, risking death. He leaves his loved ones — his family and friends — behind. Fewer than a handful of people help him. They are afraid, they are scared. But Mustafa Kemal's eyes are bold and his passion fierce. He is determined to forge his own destiny. Not only his own destiny, but also that of the Turkish nation.

To achieve this, he must connect with the nation. He must share his vision with them. He must listen to their concerns. He is aware of this situation, and of the fact that he is making his final moves. This is his last chance. He knows what will happen if he does not use it properly, if he cannot win over the people, reach their hearts.

That is why he is fighting with all his might, thinking of everyone and everything. So much so that the greatest of confusions are harboured in his mind. Fortunately, he has the power, determination and stubbornness to bring order to this chaos. He rallies the Turkish nation and informs them of the final defence. Otherwise, he reminds them that they will remain stateless.

As we all know, congresses are organised, associations are established in Anatolia and defence forces are formed to maintain awareness of homeland and nation is kept alive. Occupation forces are countered and people die for this cause. This is because every individual knows that we only have one homeland. Everyone is affected by the war and suffers from it in one way or another: rich, poor, troubled, careless, labourer, master, woman, man, child, elderly. The sole thing that unites them all is the war, and the one person who unites them all is Mustafa Kemal.

O Turkish Youth! Your first duty is ever to preserve and defend the National independence, the Turkish Republic. That is the only basis of your existence and your future.

People of all ages are at the front. In some places, even high school students. The country is in such a ruined state that children are being sent to war. Moreover, they want it. They want to fight for their homeland because they have such an intense connection to it.

After much struggle, the exhausted Turkish nation finally won the War of Independence. They put up a great defence and protected their land. All the imperialist powers and their puppets were completely defeated. Many casualties were suffered during those difficult years. The time of mourning mingled with cries of victory. However, some long-held truths also came to light. The Turkish nation is strong when united, and now is the time to rebuild with what remains.

And so it is. Five years, ten years pass, and there is no doubt that our country is coming of age. Outsiders cannot believe that this country emerged from the war. Under Atatürk's leadership, the hard work of the young population is paying off quickly. Every part of the country is experiencing a sharp rise in all areas.

Cultural endeavours also begin to flourish. The importance of the arts and crafts sector increases, and factories are established one after another. Balls, ceremonies and traditional shows are organised. Domestic goods are produced and promoted. National consciousness is also kept alive.

Atatürk travelled to the port cities by ferry. After the war ended, he did not stand aside and behave like the sultan he had opposed. He could not break away from his people and travelled everywhere.

Not only does he travel domestically, he also travels abroad along the famous sea routes of the period. There, he promotes cultural activities, handicrafts, local technology, traditional music and local cuisine — in short, everything that characterises modernising Turkey. Everything is organised under Atatürk's supervision.

I like the sportsman who is intelligent, agile as well as morally upright.

He is always encouraging physical activity. Swimming competitions are organised. Traditional hippodrome races continue. Ancestral sports that define our historical identity are not neglected. New sports disciplines that have gained worldwide fame but not yet official recognition are also promoted. He wants children and young people to play an active role in festivals to symbolise the dynamism and ongoing operation of the Republic.

For this reason, he believes that approving the motion for a sports festival, which was proposed at the Beşiktaş Congress and resulted in Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, along with the other clubs of the time, coming together for the cause, is appropriate.

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He was the driving force behind every development, cherishing his nation and its youth, addressing them as “Masters!” in every speech. He was a great leader. He is a hero whose place can never be filled.

What we, his children and the children of the homeland, must do is protect the republic and the national consciousness that the Turkish nation is being made to forget. We must do this in whatever way we can. Regardless of our profession or area of expertise, we must fulfil our duty with references, truthfulness, patience and respect. We should follow the example of the people and youth of that period, who despite being devastated by war, established the Republic without ever giving up. They did all this without forgetting their identity or showing disrespect for their ancestors, traditions, language or faith.

This is exactly what he would have wanted. In fact, this short phrase sums up everything I have mentioned.

Turk! Be proud, work hard and have confidence.

Here is another one of his sayings (this has been translated, but is not a formal translation):

The Turkish nation loves and appreciates everything beautiful, everything civilised, everything high. But it is certain that if there is one thing it worships above all else, it is heroism. These words of mine will undoubtedly resonate loudly and effectively in the ears of today's awake Turkish youth. I ask nothing less from Turkish children, whose high qualities I cherish. 1931 (Atatürk'ün S.D.UI, p. 91)

As we all know, Field Marshal Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was nothing less than the idealistic hero he wanted us all to be.

Atatürk's Visit to İzmir Girls' High School (1 February 1931) - Picture Source 1, Source 2

Regardless of the era, our country is under occupation by various means and from many sides. It is just like the period of the War of Independence. This becomes more apparent when we step outside our daily lives to celebrate national holidays and commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

For decades, enemies both internal and external enemies who have sworn to undo Atatürk's achievements have been trying to make us abandon our love for our homeland, our nationalist feelings, our personal beliefs, our traditions, our language, our values and our perception of the republic. Sometimes they succeed, but their plans often backfire in their hypocritical faces.

To avoid facing an even greater challenge in the future, we must all hold tightly to our shared realities and values now. This means not deviating from our identity and history, not listening to false promises, and reacting strongly to imposed changes when necessary. We should think like Atatürk. Even if we cannot act like him, we should think like him and never forget who we are.

Upon hearing the news of the assassination, Mustafa Kemal said the following (this has been translated, but is not a formal translation):

I am deeply touched and grateful for the letters and telegrams I have received from associations, organisations, civil servants, commanders, officers, deputies, friends and citizens expressing their sincere regret over the assassination attempt which was foiled. I have no doubt that the dastardly attempt was directed more against our sacred republic and the high principles on which it is based than against my person. For this reason, I have once more come to the conclusion that the sentiments shown in general and the extreme devotion to our republic and our principles are unbreakable. Those who think that our republic, the foundation of which is laid in the heart, mind and consciousness of the great Turkish nation and its heroic sons, our great army, and our principles inspired by the spirit of the nation, can be destroyed by the destruction of a body, are unfortunates with feeble minds. Such unfortunates have nothing to gain but to be dealt with as they deserve in the grip of the republic's justice and power. My humble body will surely one day become dust. However, the Republic of Turkey will remain eternal. And the Turkish nation will walk unceasingly on the path of civilisation with the principles that ensure and protect its security and happiness. (Atatürk’ten Hatıralar, Hasan Rıza Soyak, Yapı Kredi Yayınları, İstanbul, 1973, s. 368)

I cannot fathom how any Turkish citizen could accept another leader when they already have Mustafa Kemal: a man who strove for unity, peace, happiness and development for his people; a man who sacrificed his life for these ideals.

Oh, Child of Turkey's future! Even in these circumstances it is your duty to save Turkish independence and the Turkish Republic! The strength you need is within the noble blood in your veins! (Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK 20 September 1927)