Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı released a message on the occasion of the Liberation of Erzurum from the Enemy Occupation and the Acceptance of the National Anthem on March 12. Çomaklı used the following statements in his message:

❝ March 12 is the flow of freedom from the frozen bastions of a besieged geography towards an ancient city. Against the siege of the whole world with its cannon, rifle, bullet,  it is the name of the struggle that brave and heroic, valiant and daring women, men, youth and children resist with their lives and blood, together with their soldiers.

It is the anniversary of the rise of a nation, at the crossroads of civilizations, where its evil destiny begins to change.

March 12 is also the date on which the National Anthem, which became a verse at the point where the Independence Struggle was victorious, was accepted. Happy anniversary of both our liberation and the acceptance of our national anthem on this day when ordinary days reach their extraordinary meanings.

Prof. Dr. Ömer ÇOMAKLI
RECTOR