October 6, 1923, marks the date of a great victory that is a turning point in the Turkish nation's struggle for independence. After nearly five years of occupation, Istanbul was once again under the sovereignty of the Turkish people, and the course of history was changed with the victory of the War of Independence led by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This victory became a symbol not only of the liberation of a city but also of the struggle of our nation for freedom and independence.
The liberation of Istanbul from enemy occupation stands as the greatest achievement following the difficult processes faced by the Ottoman Empire after World War I. The painful period of 4 years and 10 months under the occupation of the Allied Powers came to an end thanks to the determination and resolve of the Turkish nation; Istanbul regained its freedom through the heroic struggle of the Turkish army. This historic victory was one of the most significant steps toward the declaration of the Republic, and the foundations of the Republic of Turkey were laid through this great struggle.
As Istanbul Rumeli University, on the 101st anniversary of Istanbul's liberation, we proudly remember the significance and importance of this epic victory once again. We commemorate with gratitude and appreciation all our heroes, starting with Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades, who sacrificed their lives for the independence of our homeland. The liberation of Istanbul serves as a great opportunity to remind our youth that the spirit of independence is a legacy that must be preserved for generations to come. Our university is committed to carrying these values forward into the future.
As we celebrate the liberation of Istanbul with great enthusiasm, as we do every October 6, we also reiterate our responsibility to protect the ancient history and cultural heritage of our city. The liberation of Istanbul is not just a victory belonging to the past, but it will continue to guide us as a light that inspires our future. The fire of independence and freedom will always continue to burn in the hearts of the Turkish people; with this spirit, we will build brighter tomorrows.
The liberation of Istanbul is not merely the rescue of a city; it is a testament to the fact that our nation never stepped back in its struggle for independence. This victory is a bridge connecting the past to the future; we are determined to keep the values of our Republic and our struggle for independence alive for generations to come.
