Journalist Hasan Tahsin commemorated on the 105th anniversary of his death

Journalist Hasan Tahsin initiated the national resistance by firing the first shot against the occupying forces during the occupation of İzmir on May 15, 1919, and was subsequently martyred.

A commemoration ceremony was organized by the İzmir Journalists Association (İGC) in front of the monument in Konak for the martyred Hasan Tahsin. The ceremony was attended by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay, Karabağlar Mayor Emine Helil İnay Kınay, İzmir Journalists Association President Dilek Gappi, journalists, and students from the Martyr Journalist Hasan Tahsin Secondary School. During the ceremony, a wreath was laid at the monument following a moment of silence and the National Anthem.

Starting his speech at the commemoration ceremony by saying, "We are here together to commemorate our dear Hasan Tahsin, who fired the first spark of resistance against the occupation, provided the first response, and whom we remember here today primarily through the ownership of journalists with his journalist identity," İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay stated the following:

A BRAVE AND HEROIC PERSON

"Hasan Tahsin is a journalist who made his mark on history with the articles he wrote and the news he reported at that time. As a writer for the Hukuku Beşer newspaper, we remember him as a brave and heroic person who turned that reaction formed in the conscience of the entire nation against the occupation of İzmir on May 15, 1919, into a bullet and provided that first response. Exactly 4 days after May 15, on May 19, the day we will celebrate as a holiday 4 days later, our Atatürk landed in Samsun and started our War of Independence. The port area of İzmir, which is perhaps the point where that war began, this area is also etched in our memories as a place that will always be remembered in our country's history as the place where the War of Independence and the National Struggle concluded on September 9 with the flag raised here at the Government House. This victory led our country to the establishment of a Republic. For these reasons, İzmir has become one of the pride cities of our country as both the first city to be occupied and the city where the fire of liberation was first lit and the city of foundation. İzmir journalists have every right to be proud as they follow in the footsteps of their colleague who sacrificed his life for national independence and started the National Struggle. The first shot fired by Hasan Tahsin was fired against captivity. That first shot was fired against darkness. Just like the brave journalists who follow in Hasan Tahsin's footsteps today, trying to bring darkness into the light with their pens. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with journalists for freedom of thought and expression in our country's struggle for democracy. I commemorate the martyred Journalist Hasan Tahsin with respect, mercy, and gratitude," he said.

WE WILL NOT BE SILENT AND WE WILL NOT STOP

Speaking at the ceremony, İzmir Journalists Association President Dilek Gappi said, "105 years later, just like Hasan Tahsin, we will not be silent and we will not stop. We will continue to chase the truth, deliver the truth to the public, expose everything that harms society, and practice documented journalism. We will continue to stand by the righteous, not the powerful, and against wrongs. While the officials who said 'remain silent against the occupation' are buried in the dark pages of history, the place of journalists who fight for the values they believe in is always permanent in the hearts of society. We will keep Hasan Tahsin alive not just today, but 365 days a year with our hearts and our work. We commemorate Hasan Tahsin, who fired the first shot, the 'Reddi İlhak (Rejection of Annexation) Front', those who were martyred here 105 years ago, and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who gifted our nation its homeland, and his comrades-in-arms with respect, gratitude, and longing. As every year, we shout out again this year; we will continue to proclaim our intellectual rebellions with our pens," she stated.