Imamoglu's message on the 102nd anniversary of the liberation of Istanbul: They will leave just as they came

The IMM celebrated the 102nd anniversary of the liberation of Istanbul—which was reclaimed from occupying forces on October 6, 1923, by the Turkish army under the command of Sukru Naili Pasha, with Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as Commander-in-Chief, following 4 years, 10 months, and 23 days of enemy occupation—with events held at ArtIstanbul Feshane between October 4-6.

The final day of the celebrations began with a performance by the band Gece Yolculari. After the concert, presenter Tugrul Tuna read a letter from CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel and the CHP's presidential candidate and IMM Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who is currently imprisoned in Silivri.

In his message, commemorating Ataturk and all martyrs and veterans, Imamoglu stated the following:

“Istanbul is a city that does not surrender, does not bow down, and resists. Istanbul is the city of independence. Istanbul is the city of freedom and hope.

Istanbul is a city that was occupied but never knelt, never hung its head. Istanbul is the city of those who do not pledge allegiance. Even 102 years ago, despite the occupation fleet on its shores and the occupying soldiers in its streets, Istanbul never lost its hope.

Even in the most hopeless days, the light of the idea of freedom and independence, and the fire of the national struggle, never went out in Istanbul. The war of liberation and independence began with a great power and energy that spread from Istanbul to Anatolia.

As Mustafa Kemal set out for Samsun, he knew very well that he would reunite with a free and happy Istanbul and that the journey of the republic would now begin on these lands, because he knew this noble nation very well and trusted it with all his heart. The spirit of liberation and foundation has continued to live in the soul of our nation with the same strength for a century. Therefore, no force that ignores the will of the nation has a chance to be permanent in this country.

"BE FREE, ISTANBUL"

No matter the method, those who attempt to impose their own will on this great nation will always leave just as they came. Those who do not know the value of the Republic of Turkey's struggle for liberation and foundation, and who do not grasp its meaning, will leave just as they came. Those who try to obtain legitimacy that the nation has not granted from other states will leave just as they came.

Those who run away from the ballot box and try to protect their seats by making concessions to foreign powers will leave just as they came. The nation will eventually send away those who do not value it, who do not recognize the law, and who trample on justice. It will be the same again. A handful of people who do not recognize the national will shall go, and beautiful days, illuminated by the unity and brotherhood of 86 million, will come. We will embrace each other tightly, saying 'One for all, all for one,' and no force will ever be able to sow discord among us again.

We will build a life together that is happy, peaceful, and fraternal, as if waking up to a holiday morning; a Turkey where justice and freedom prevail. Everything will be very beautiful. Happy liberation day, Istanbul. Always be free, always be happy.”