November 10th: Beyond Time, an Endless Longing…

When calendars turn to November 10th and the clocks strike 09.05, the entire nation shares the same sentiments. In 1938, at the moment when Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk passed away, citizens across the country bid farewell to their ancestors, vowing to keep his ideas and reforms alive.

Today, as every year, on the anniversary of Atatürk’s passing, we commemorate him with respect, gratitude and profound longing. Individuals of all ages observe a moment of silence with an indescribable ache in their hearts, visiting Atatürk’s Room, Anıtkabir and museums to demonstrate their longing and devotion to Atatürk. 

 

Born in Selanik (Thessaloniki), Shining in Samsun

Born in Selanik (Thessaloniki) in 1881, Mustafa Kemal grew up as a soldier of the Ottoman Empire. His victory at the Gallipoli Campaign made his name known throughout the country and he quickly rose to the rank of colonel and then general.

Mustafa Kemal, who roused the people worn down by prolonged occupation, illuminated Samsun like the sun on May 19, 1919. He organized the National Struggle and made the people a key part of this struggle. On August 30, as Commander-in-Chief, he won the glorious victory leading to the liberation of the country, alongside his patriotic citizens. With the spirit of unity that he had fostered, he declared the independent Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. His greatest gift to the Turkish nation is unconditional sovereignty.

A Leader’s Timeless Vision

Atatürk, who said, “The one who loves their country the most is the one who performs their duty the best,” worked tirelessly to develop the nation from the very first days of the Republic. Through his reforms and revolutions, he aimed to elevate the country to the level of contemporary civilizations and by placing great importance on education, he launched an educational campaign.

To become a country that is capable of building its own aircraft, producing its own raw materials and raising enlightened young people, he facilitated the establishment of numerous institutions. Some of these were Türk Hava Kurumu (Turkish Aeronautical Association), Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı (Ministry of National Education) and Türk Dil Kurumu (Turkish Language Association); sugar, coal, textile, cement and ammunition factories and repair shops. These contributed greatly to the economic development of the young Republic of Turkey.

Atatürk not only worked for his time; he also addressed future generations: in 1927, he delivered the Speech in Parliament. In his “Nutuk,” which chronicled the War of Independence and the country’s founding, he described the Republic of Turkey as the outcome of the War of Independence. At the end of the book, he entrusted the Republic of Turkey to Turkish youth and concluded the text with “Gençliğe Hitabe” (Address to Youth).

The Day That Mourned the Entire Country: November 10

Atatürk, who endured difficult battles throughout his life, won numerous victories and led a country to rise from the ashes, suffered a serious illness in the final years of his life. His diagnosis was made in January 1938.

On November 10, 1938, the first President of Turkey passed away in Dolmabahçe Palace. With this tragic news, a period of national mourning was declared and people flocked to Dolmabahçe Palace to bid him farewell.

While national newspapers ran headlines like “Our Great National Grief” and “We Lost Our Father!”, foreign newspapers carried front-page headlines like “The Turkish people have lost their savior and father!” His remains were first placed in the Ankara Ethnography Museum. Anıtkabir was later built, and Atatürk’s remains were transferred to his final resting place on November 10, 1953.

Commemoration of Atatürk in the Atatürk Museum Room

During the years of the occupation of İstanbul, Atatürk had a special address that he preferred for both accommodation and private meetings: the Pera Palace Hotel.

He stayed in this room upon returning from a trip to Germany with Crown Prince Vahdettin in 1917. It is known that he preferred Room 101 as his residence until he moved to his home in Şişli. This room, where he discussed state affairs and hosted special guests, is a significant place that embodied the idea of ​​the Republic.

On the 100th anniversary of Atatürk’s birth, the room was transformed into a museum and opened to visitors. This room houses Atatürk’s personal belongings, letters, gifts that were presented to him, his clothes and books. If you would like to see Atatürk’s belongings and commemorate him on this sad day, you can visit Atatürk Room 101 at the Pera Palace Hotel.

These articles may interest you:

National and International Press News on the Day of The Passing Of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
15 Quotes From Prominent Names About Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
The Proclamation of the Republic: Atatürk’s Parliamentary Speech and Words That Illuminated a Nation!
The Historical Path of April 23 and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
The Story of Room 101(Atatürk’s Room) of Pera Palace Hotel