The event started with the quote of Atatürk “Youth! You are the ones who reinforce and maintain our courage. You will be the most valuable symbol of humanity and civilization, love of homeland and freedom of thought with the education and culture you have. You, the rising new generation, you are the future. We built the republic, you are the ones who raise it and keep it maintain” and continued with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem.
Atatürk's idea of the Republic, foresight and leadership were introduced through his own expression and words in the event ‘Atatürk and Us’.
While Atatürk was in Sofia, he accepted the invitation of Bulgarian General Ratchov Petrov. When Atatürk talked to Dimitrina, Petrov's daughter, it comes to politics. Stating the equality of women and men, Atatürk said to Dimitrina that women should have all kinds of freedom such as the right to vote, the right to be elected.” Dimitri asked questions on it: "This is not even in Europe, Mustafa, how can it happen in Turkey?" Atatürk replied as “Very soon. Very soon…”
“The greatness is that you will not compliment anyone, you will not deceive anyone, you will see what the real ideal for the country, you will walk to that goal. Everyone will be against you. Everyone will try to throw you off the track. Here you will be the one to destroy the resistance. They will stack up unchallenged difficulties. You will overcome these difficulties by considering yourself not big but small, weak, without means, nothing and by believing that you will not get help from anyone. If they say you're older then, you'll laugh at those who say that.”
Director of the School Faculty Member Dr. Abdullah Yüksel Barut explained Atatürk's characteristic of being a World leader and the declaration of 1981 as the Year of Atatürk by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in the opening speech. Barut continued his speech: “UNESCO decided that the 100th birth anniversary of the founder of the Republic of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk would be the commemoration in 1981. In accordance with this decision, the 100th anniversary of Atatürk's birth was celebrated as "1981 Atatürk Year" all over the world. This implementation is the first and only in the world.”
Barut stated that 152 countries unanimously made the decision and the definition of Atatürk was introduced to the world in the UNESCO General Assembly Resolution on November 27, 1978. Barut said: “Atatürk is a superior person who has worked for international understanding, cooperation, peace, a revolutionist who has made extraordinary revolutions, the first leader who fought against colonialism and expansionism, respectful for human rights, a pioneer of world peace, who did not make color, language, religion, ethnicity discrimination among people throughout his life, unique statesman, founder of Republic of Turkey.”
Barut said: “This implementation is the first and only in the world. UNESCO has made this implementation for Ataturk, which has not been thought for any leader in the world so far. This implementation has not been repeated for another leader since 1981. The biggest reason for this is not because they cannot find another statesman; but because they could not find another Atatürk.”
After Director of the School Faculty Member Dr. Abdullah Yüksel Barut's speech about Atatürk, Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Murat Günaydın mentioned about Atatürk's farsightedness and leadership characteristics by quoting The Great Speech in his speech titled ‘Atatürk's Leadership through his Actions’ and shared his words and memories with us.
It was emphasized that every word of Veteran Mustafa Kemal Atatürk said to the Turkish people has been realized so far by quoting his word: “My mortal body will be dust one day, but the Republic of Turkey will remain lasting forever...” The event started with Çökertme folk song in memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and ended with Yanık Ömer song. Director of the School Faculty Member Dr. A. Yüksel Barut and Head of the Department of Child Development (English) Dr. Berrak Dumlupınar gave a plaque and certificate of appreciation to Speaker Prof. Dr. H. Murat Günaydın at the end of the event.
