Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Atatürk’s Principles and History of Turkish Revolution Research and Application Center organized a panel titled “The Historical Process and Literary Content of Our National Anthem” to mark the 104th anniversary of the adoption of the Turkish National Anthem, penned by Mehmet Akif Ersoy, by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).

"The Turkish Nation Never Compromised Its Independence"

The panel was moderated by Prof. Dr. Kaya Tuncer Çağlayan, Director of the Atatürk’s Principles and History of Turkish Revolution Research and Application Center. In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Çağlayan emphasized the sacrifices and independence struggle of the Turkish nation throughout history. He highlighted the Western imperialist attempts to eradicate Turkish-Islamic presence in Anatolia under the framework of the “Eastern Question” and noted that despite the occupation of much of the country following World War I, the establishment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk demonstrated that the Turkish nation would never compromise its independence.

Prof. Dr. Çağlayan also reminded the audience that Mehmet Akif Ersoy opposed writing a national anthem for a monetary reward and did not only composed the National Anthem but also traveled across Anatolia to encourage the public to support the National Struggle.

"The National Anthem is a Symbol of Nation-States"

Another speaker, Prof. Dr. Nedim İpek from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of History, underlined that national anthems are among the key symbols of nation-states. He explained that different governance structures had shaped states throughout history, but nation-states began emerging in the 16th century.

He pointed out that nation-states reinforce their national identity through shared symbols such as homeland, society, official language, flag, and national anthem. Prof. Dr. İpek mentioned that prior to the Turkish National Anthem, several anthems such as Mahmudiye, Mecidiye, Aziziye, and Reşadiye had been composed, but none gained public acceptance. During the Turkish War of Independence, Mehmet Akif Ersoy’s poem was recognized as the work that best reflected the emotions and thoughts of the Turkish people.

"Not a Single Word of the National Anthem Has Been Changed"

Speaking about the literary aspects of the Turkish National Anthem, Prof. Dr. Yavuz Bayram from the OMU Faculty of Education, Turkish Language Teaching Department, began by asking, “Why was the National Anthem written by Mehmet Akif?”

He pointed out similarities between Akif’s poem “To the Martyrs of Çanakkale” and the National Anthem. Highlighting Ersoy’s distinctive stance among his contemporaries, Bayram analyzed the powerful use of national and spiritual values in the anthem, citing key concepts such as "red banner," "last hearth," "nation," "glorious crescent," "lawful," "justice," "independence," "since eternity," "free," "faith," "land," "West," "civilization," "martyr," "ancestor," "paradise," "beloved homeland," "mosque dome," "eternal calls to prayer," "prostration," "throne," "dawn," "flag," and "liberty."

Prof. Dr. Bayram emphasized that Mehmet Akif’s prayer was answered, as despite multiple attempts, not a single word of the National Anthem has been altered, nor has it been replaced with another anthem.

Panelists Presented with Certificates of Appreciation

At the end of the panel, Prof. Dr. Kaya Tuncer Çağlayan presented certificates of appreciation to the panelists and extended his gratitude to all attendees. He concluded the event by paying tribute to the heroes of the National Struggle and Mehmet Akif Ersoy.

Samsun Garrison Commander Veteran Major General Davut Ala, OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pınar Sumer, academics, and students attended the panel.