Atatürk University hosted the 104th Independence Day Concert of the Republic of Azerbaijan, jointly organized by Atatürk University, Azerbaijan Kars Consulate General, Erzurum Governorate and Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality.

Beside Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr.Ömer Çomaklı, Deputy Governor Can Atak, 9th Corps Commander Major General Erhan Uzun, Azerbaijan Kars Consul General Nuru Guluyev, Erzurum Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak, Provincial Police Chief Levent Tuncer,   guests from Azerbaijan, institution managers, NGO representatives, university members, students and many citizens attended to  the concert held at the Cultural Center July 15 National Will Hall.

“The Brotherhood and Friendship Between the Two Countries Should Be Transferred to Future Generations”

Taking the podium to make the opening speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı expressed that they shared the joy and happiness of celebrating the 104th Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this historical and meaningful day of brotherly Azerbaijan, at Atatürk University in Erzurum, the most important frontier gate of our thousands of years of history.

The bonds of friendship and brotherhood, which are based on the understanding of "one nation, two states" and are always renewed; Rector Çomaklı stated that besides the historical, geographical and cultural bridges, the relations established in the context of higher education continue to increase with new projects and activities, Rector Çomaklı wished that the brotherhood and friendship between the two countries, which set an example to the world, will strengthen day by day and be handed over to future generations as a beautiful heritage.

Rector Çomaklı: "The art of music is an aesthetic value that nourishes the individual and society in many respects, besides being a national and then a universal common language in cultural communication, it is also one of the most effective arts in chanting the enthusiasm of independence and victory at the aesthetic level and in the formation of national consciousness. The concert that will be given by valuable instrumentalists and vocalists, which will leave a pleasant note in our city and our University, and decorate our hearts with their performances, is an expression of this enthusiasm. In this context, I congratulate all our artists and commemorate with mercy all our martyrs who marched to martyrdom in the independence struggle of the brotherly Republic of Azerbaijan.”

Speaking after Rector Çomaklı, Deputy Governor Can Atak stated that they are happy to host the guests of the Azerbaijani state on such a special day, and that they are also pleased to celebrate such a meaningful day in the land of Dadaşlar. Pointing out that the relationship between Turkey and Azerbaijan is truly an unprecedented one, Atak emphasized that the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey are not based on interests, but on brotherhood and this unity will continue forever.

“Everyone living in friendly and brotherly Azerbaijan and Turkey has assimilated the idea of "one nation, two states" expressed by our late leader Heydar Aliyev, and is taking firm steps towards the future by getting stronger together with all its institutions and will continue to do so.” Consul General Nuru Guluyev, who started his speech with his words, said that they were proud that the declaration of a democratic republic in the East for the first time in 1918 was reserved for Azerbaijan.

Stating that they will never forget the support given by our brother country Turkey in the liberation of the lands that remained on the side of Armenia for nearly 30 years after the war that started in September 2020 and lasted for 44 days, Guluyev emphasized that Azerbaijani soldiers, who were trained in Turkey, played an important role in winning this war.

Ataturk University Rector Prof. Dr. In the presence of Ömer Çomaklı, Guluyev thanked everyone who supported the organization of the concert and expressed his gratitude to the Turkish people who stood by them on this important day of Azerbaijan.

After the opening speeches, the guests, who had a pleasant time with the concert program given by Azerbaijan State artists, accompanied Azerbaijani folk songs with the theme of heroism and independence, and unfurled the flags of Turkey and Azerbaijan.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE – 29.05.2022