In the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, a ceremony dedicated to May 19 – the Day of Memory of Ataturk, Youth and Sports.
The event was attended by Turkish ambassador to Baku Birol Akgun, a representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to Baku Ambassador Ufuk Turganer, Embassy Advisers, teachers, parents and students.
The ceremony began in the moment of silence in memory of Mustafa Kemala Ataturke, his associates and all those who fell for the independence of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Then the hymns of Turkey and Azerbaijan were performed.
Speaking at the ceremony, Akgun ambassador emphasized that May 19 is not just a date, but a symbol of the will of the Turkish people to independence. He noted that the torch lit in Samsun on May 19, 1919 was the first step towards determining the fate of the Turkish nation, and the transfer of this day of the youth at the initiative of Ataturk has a deep meaning.
“Ataturk understood well that the most reliable support of the nation is a young generation brought up on national and spiritual values, freely thinking and well -educated,” said the diplomat.
He added that young people are not just part of society, but the future of the Turkish Republic, and reminded that the words of Ataturka “all my hope – in the youth” were not a wish, but a call for action.
Akgun emphasized the importance of the holiday in Azerbaijan: “Today we celebrate this significant day in fraternal Azerbaijan, with which we are united by the motto“ One nation – two states. ”This is not just a joy on the occasion of the holiday, but also a special reason for pride, carrying deep traces of our common history and spiritual unity.”
He also recalled the role of the Caucasian Islamic Army in the liberation of Baku in 1918 and the support provided by Turkey Azerbaijan during the victorious war in Karabakh in 2020. This, according to him, indicates the ability of the two countries to act together even in the most difficult times.
The ambassador recalled that with the signing of the Shushinsky declaration, relations between the two countries reached the level of allies, and noted that the responsibility for maintaining this heritage falls on the shoulders of youth.
As part of the event, students recited poems and performed marches dedicated to Ataturka and the struggle for independence. After the literary part, theatrical performances passed, the folk dances of Turkey and Azerbaijan were presented. The winners of various competitions and competitions were awarded.