Turkey's foreign missions pay homage to Ataturk on 83rd anniversary of his passing

 Turkey's diplomatic missions around the world on Wednesday held ceremonies to pay homage to the country's founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on the 83rd anniversary of his passing.

Turkey's embassies in Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan held ceremonies in memory of the preeminent leader. Attendees observed a minute of silence at 9.05 a.m., the exact time of the leader's death, and laid flowers on Ataturk's monuments as part of the ceremonies.

A commemoration ceremony was held in front of the Ataturk monument in Kazakhstan's capital, Nur-Sultan, attended by Turkish Ambassador Ufuk Ekici, his family, and members, and representatives of Turkic institutions.

“Today has been an honor for us in terms of remembering once more the republic that Ataturk entrusted upon us, as well as the values and ideals of the republic,” Ekici said in a speech at the ceremony.

Ataturk was also commemorated in Pakistan at a ceremony held at the Turkish Embassy in the capital Islamabad. The ceremony was attended by Ambassador Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul, as well as embassy employees and representatives from Turkish institutions.

A similar ceremony was held at the Turkish embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, with a small number of attendees due to pandemic measures. The occasion was attended by Ambassador Fatma Ceren Yazgan, mission employees, and representatives from Turkish institutions.

Yazgan remarked that the Turkish people are "extremely fortunate" to have Ataturk as a leader, and she underlined her nation's admiration and love for him.

During a memorial ceremony in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, Ambassador Cahit Bagci said that owing to Ataturk's leadership, Turkey has become a modern model country.

The ceremony, which took place in front of the Ataturk Monument, was attended by embassy employees, representatives from Turkish organizations, and students from Turkish institutions.

“Ataturk is an example for the world with his revolutionary character,” Bagci said. “We commemorate Ataturk with longing.”

Films showing scenes from Ataturk’s life were displayed during the event, and students recited poems in memory of the late leader.

In Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek, a commemoration ceremony was held in Ataturk Park attended by the acting Turkish envoy Yekta Kamil Noyan, staff from the Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University and Turkish schools, Turkish businessmen, and many Turkish citizens.

“I hereby commemorate the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Gazi (honored veteran) Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and his fellow fighters with grace and mercy,” said Noyan in his speech.

The battle of Turkish independence started on May 15, 1919, when the first bullet against the occupying Greek forces was fired. The incredible achievements on the battlefield led to Turkish independence, and the Republic of Turkey was founded on Oct. 29, 1923.

Ataturk became the republic’s first president until Nov. 10, 1938, when he passed away in Istanbul at the age of 57 due to cirrhosis.

* Writing by Dilan Pamuk in Ankara