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November 11, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations The November 10 Commemoration Ceremony for Atatürk held at GTU once again reflects the deep love and gratitude for Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, through the moment of silence, speeches, a special talk, and a musical performance.
Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, was commemorated at Gebze Technical University (GTU) with deep respect and gratitude on the 87th anniversary of his passing, through a series of ceremonies and events.
Jointly organized by the Social Impact Coordination Office and the Student Societies Coordination Office, the program began with an official ceremony held in front of the Rectorate Building. Following the laying of a wreath at the Atatürk Bust, participants observed a moment of silence at 09:05 a.m. as sirens sounded across the campus, and the National Anthem was sung with great enthusiasm. GTU Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar, the university administration, academic and administrative staff, and students came together to pay a heartfelt tribute to Atatürk.
The second part of the commemoration program was held at the GTU Congress and Cultural Center. The opening speech was delivered by GTU Vice-Rector Prof. Mahmut Durmuş. In his address, Prof. Durmuş emphasized that Atatürk was not only a soldier or a statesman but also a far-sighted leader and a visionary thinker, stating: “Atatürk’s ideals continue to unite us, illuminate our path, and serve as our greatest guide, inspiring us to look to the future with hope.”
Prof. Meral Elçi, GTU Social Impact Coordinator, expressed her gratitude to the participants of the event and stated: “It has been 87 years since the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, passed away. However, Atatürk’s ideas, principles, and the legacy he left us continue to live not only in the pages of history but also in our thoughts, values, and collective consciousness. Today, we are not only attending a commemoration ceremony but also witnessing a meaningful gathering that reflects our history and collective memory.”
Following the opening speeches, a talk moderated by Prof. Damla Arısan and joined by Prof. Turgut Göksoy featured reflections from Atatürk’s life. Prof. Göksoy emphasized that Atatürk was a leader devoted to his nation and underscored the importance of Turkish youth taking him as a role model in every aspect of their lives.
The program continued with a concert titled “Songs Loved by Atatürk,” performed by the GTU Turkish Classical Music and Turkish Folk Music Choirs under the direction of conductors Ünal Dursun and Seda Gökkadar. Participants shared touching moments as they sang together the songs cherished by Atatürk.
The series of events concluded with an exhibition titled “Selections From Newspaper Articles Published in Memory of Atatürk.” Visitors took a nostalgic and emotional journey as they viewed historical newspaper clippings that carried the traces of the past.
The November 10 Commemoration Program at GTU once again reminded everyone that the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk will forever live through his ideas, principles, and achievements. |
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