Our university hosted a comprehensive panel discussing the meaning and importance of May 19, 1919, one of the most important turning points on the path to independence of the Republic of Turkey. In the panel held in Ahmet Yesevi Conference Hall, Dr. Ahmet Sezgin, Dr. Fatma Atabey and Dr. Yunus Emre Çakır, faculty members of our department, evaluated the historical and social dimensions of the National Struggle from different perspectives.
From Mondros to Samsun: The Awakening of a Nation - Dr. Yunus Emre Çakır
The first speaker of the panel, Dr. Yunus Emre Çakır, explained how the occupations after the Armistice of Mudros on October 30, 1918 and the resistance consciousness of the people were shaped. Çakır emphasized that the process of Mustafa Kemal Pasha`s transition from Istanbul to Anatolia and the process that started with his landing in Samsun on May 19 symbolized the rebirth of the Turkish nation, and pointed out that this period was also a process in which the foundation of the idea of the republic was laid.
The Spirit of May 19 - Dr. Ahmet Sezgin
In his presentation titled “The Spirit of May 19”, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sezgin emphasized that the resistance that began with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk`s landing in Samsun was not only a military movement, but also the will of a nation to claim its own destiny. Sezgin stated that May 19 is the date when the foundations of a state based on national sovereignty were laid and said, “This spirit means not surrendering, acting in unity, believing in science, justice and freedom.”
May 19 as a Holiday and Celebrations - Dr. Fatma Atabey
The last speaker of the panel was Dr. Fatma Atabey, who discussed how May 19 became a national holiday, and explained how the “Gazi Day” celebrations that started in Samsun in 1926 became widespread with the will of the people. Atabey gave historical examples, especially the process of declaring May 19 as an official holiday with the law enacted in 1938. He also stated that Atatürk`s acceptance of this day as his birthday reinforced the special meaning given to May 19.