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

“March 12 is the date when the freezing cold winter turned to spring, and a whole country became one body with the motto of "Either Freedom or Death" under the relentless siege of the enemy. It is the anniversary of the liberation of the border stone of the East from the enemy and captivity at the end of  a war believed to have been lost."

We proudly celebrate this day when Erzurum was liberated from the chains of captivity at a war waged by a nation as a whole, including Kazım Karabekirs, who made their marks in history, and Nene Hatuns, Mehmets, and Ayşeler, who reared up with  the love of the homeland in their hearts, and with choppers at their hands.

"We have the honor of celebrating the 101st anniversary of the acceptance of our National Anthem on the same day as the liberation of our city, each line and stanza of which is an expression of our struggle and our spirit of libertarian. We wish that May Allah never let this nation write the National Anthem again. We commemorate our martyrs with mercy, who gave us this pride." Çomaklı added.

Prof. Dr. Ömer ÇOMAKLI
RECTOR