Happy 107th Anniversary of May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU), issued a message on the occasion of May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, emphasizing the historical significance of the Turkish nation’s struggle for independence and the importance attached to youth.
The torch of independence lit by the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Samsun on May 19, 1919, marked a historic turning point that changed the destiny of our nation. We proudly, gratefully, and enthusiastically celebrate the 107th anniversary of this meaningful day. May 19 is not merely a beginning; it is also a symbol of a sacred revival in which the will of the nation transformed into resistance against captivity and the ideal of independence spread throughout the country. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s dedication of this meaningful day to the youth is the strongest expression of his unwavering confidence in the generations to whom he entrusted the future.
Indeed, Atatürk expressed his faith in the youth in words that have become a historic testament: “Young people, you are the ones who strengthen and sustain our courage. With the education and knowledge you receive, you will become the most valuable examples of human values and love for the homeland.”
As Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, we regard educating young people who embrace the shared values of the Turkic world, are equipped with scientific knowledge, and possess a strong sense of national and spiritual responsibility as one of our fundamental duties. Our greatest assurance for the future is that our young people grow up with an awareness of our shared history and culture and become individuals who shape the future.
With these feelings and thoughts, I commemorate with mercy, gratitude, and respect Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, as well as all his comrades-in-arms, our esteemed martyrs, and our heroic veterans. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our nation and the youth of the Turkic world on May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.
Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan
Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University