Rector Kutluhan's Message on April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day

22.04.2024

Pamukkale University (PAU) Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kutluhan published a message on the occasion of the 104th anniversary of the establishment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day.

"Today, we are in the joy of celebrating with great enthusiasm the 104th anniversary of the establishment of our Grand National Assembly of Turkey and the declaration of our national sovereignty to the whole world. April 23, 1920 is a date when the foundations of our democracy, which is indispensable for our Republic, were laid. Because a nation, which was wanted to be taken under captivity, has written its name in golden letters in history as a rare example of unity, solidarity, perseverance and determination on the road to national sovereignty. In this way, despite the unfavorable conditions the country was in, our supreme parliament successfully concluded the Independence Struggle with the power it received from the nation and proved once again that our nation, which has lived free since time immemorial, will live free until eternity.

April 23, 1920 is not only the inauguration of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey; it is also important in terms of "national sovereignty" as it is the first day of the people's full control of the government. Ghazi Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK, the first President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and the founder of our Republic, laid the foundation of an understanding of democracy based on national sovereignty with his statement that "Sovereignty belongs to the nation unconditionally". As an indication of the importance he attached to our children, who are the guarantee of our future, and the trust he placed in them, he dedicated this day to all the children of the world. As a matter of fact; "Little ladies, little gentlemen! You are all a rose, a star and the light of the future. You are the ones who will bring light to the country. Think about how important and valuable you are and work accordingly. We expect a lot from you." Ataturk reminded us all once again how important our children are with this sincere statement. The knowledge, experience and hopes that our children have acquired and the hopes they carry in their hearts give us strength for the future of our country. We all have important duties in keeping our children's hopes alive and raising them as forward-thinking individuals who are loyal to their national and moral values. This responsibility is also a debt of gratitude to our heroic ancestors, martyrs and veterans who protected our homeland at the cost of their blood and lives.

The fact that the opening day of our supreme parliament, which is the unshakable expression of our complete independence and national sovereignty, was gifted by Ghazi Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK as a holiday to our children, who are the guarantee of our future, and to all children of the world, makes this day more meaningful. With these feelings and thoughts; I commemorate with mercy, gratitude and gratitude the members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, especially Ghazi Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK, the members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey who have passed away, our heroic ancestors who put their lives on the line to win our national struggle, and I wish that April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day will bring peace, prosperity and tranquility to all children of the world and all humanity. Greetings and best regards..."

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