On the occasion of the 23 July Erzurum Congress, Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, Rector of Atatürk University, released a message discussing the significance and meaning of the day. In his message, Rector Çomaklı employed the subsequent expressions:

The Republic of Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, emphasised the significance of the Erzurum Congress by stating, "History will undoubtedly record this congress as a rare and great work," and we are proud to celebrate the congress' 105th anniversary. The congress lasted 14 days and convened during the most trying times of the National Struggle.

Today, 105 years ago, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led an uprising in Erzurum that laid the groundwork for both our freedom and the rebirth of a nation via the unifying force of its people. The National Struggle was largely determined by the 23 July Erzurum convention, which established the Republic of Turkey and was the first convention to decide to fully actualise national sovereignty.

Today marks the 105th anniversary of the Erzurum Congress, one of the most significant moments in the War of Independence, when the declarations "The homeland within the national borders is a whole, indivisible" and "Mandate and patronage are unacceptable" laid the groundwork for our state and independence. We honour and give thanks to all those who participated in this historic event, including Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his fellow congressmen, veterans, and sainted martyrs who gave their lives to liberate the independent Republic of Turkey.

Ömer ÇOMAKLI, Prof. Dr., Rector