Your path is our path, your longing is eternal...

We are in the first weekend of November, the last month of autumn. I am among those taking a morning walk along the Kordon, even if there are only a few of us. Opposite the Alsancak Ferry Terminal, seagulls were landing on the grass, searching for a bit of food before taking flight again. Their numbers have dwindled significantly. They don't seem to be in very high spirits. How could they be? There has been no rain for months. Nature is sad, nature is resentful. I left them to themselves and set off toward Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street. My heart is heavy. TÜLOV (Foundation for Turkey Promotion, Research, Democracy and Secular Formation) I walked toward the Hocazade Mosque stop of the tram line to head to its headquarters in Konak Fahrettin Altay Square.  The people on the street, whether going to work or just strolling, didn't seem to be in very high spirits either. When I arrived at the stop, the tram was 3 minutes away. Among those waiting, a poster on the billboard featuring a portrait of Atatürk caught my attention. "Your path is our path, your longing is eternal. With respect and gratitude 1881-1938 Dr. Cemil Tugay" It was a striking poster.

A beautiful piece of work. It is impossible not to be moved.

A vast history, spanning from the founding of our Republic, which we celebrated its 101st anniversary just last week, flashed before my eyes in seconds. The tram arrived. Is the sadness only in me? No, no, it seemed to me that those on the tram felt it too. All of İzmir is sorrowful. Moreover, the dryness of autumn following a passing summer only deepens my melancholy. A thirsty nature. 

As we approach November 10th, my Atam's "Ankara is the unchanging capital of Turkey, but the capital of my heart is Izmir" words come to my mind. Yes, Mustafa Kemal is a fellow citizen of Izmir. In Dr. Eren Akçiçek's "Izmir in Atatürk's Life" work; the people of Izmir offered Atatürk honorary citizenship on September 14, 1922, and it was accepted by Atatürk.

In a letter written to the people of Izmir on the same date, Atatürk stated:

"I have learned that I have been granted the title of Honorary Citizen of Izmir through the Izmir Municipal and Administrative Councils. To be counted among the fellow citizens of our Izmir, which is the light of our country facing the Mediterranean and which has willingly dragged the entire country into years of hardship for its liberation from enemy occupation, has been a source of infinite joy and pride for me."

When I arrived at the TÜLOV headquarters; our doyens Attorney Demirkanatlı Mutlu, Attorney Mustafa Çağlar, Arif Mutlu, Foundation General Manager Aydan Tuncayengin, and Arzu Yıldırım were discussing the joint project between Seferihisar Municipality and TÜLOV. "Almond Blossom" They were discussing the details of the project. We concluded the meeting after covering the ordering of the trees, fencing the planting area, and arranging drip irrigation and fertilization. Nearly 18 decares of almond trees will bloom in Seferihisar. Through the donations of nature and tree lovers, the names of their loved ones will live on. As I thought about the almond blossoms, the sakura cherry blossoms in Japan crossed my mind.

At the end of the meeting, Arzu Yıldırım "Are you coming this evening?" she asked. I was curious. "In Izmir, at the Elhamra Stage of the State Opera and Ballet, there is a joint event by the CHP Provincial Presidency and the ADD (Atatürk Thought Association) titled 'Commemorating, Understanding, and Keeping Atatürk Alive.' It is a formal event, and attendees are expected to wear black suits and be accompanied by their partners," she reminded me. 

I must admit, I was looking forward to the evening. My wife, Prof. Dr. Esen Demir, could not attend due to a prior engagement. 

The area in front of the Alhambra Stage was quite crowded. At the entrance, Atatürk's daughters, with their signature hairstyles and black attire, were taking commemorative photos in front of an Atatürk portrait. In the foyer at the entrance of the stage, there was an exhibition consisting of successful 

Atatürk photographs by Ahmet Güler. The Alhambra Stage, where Atatürk visited three times to watch plays and films, was packed to capacity. The event was attended by CHP district mayors, provincial and district officials, members of the Association for Supporting Contemporary Life (ADD), and the people of Izmir.

The event began with protocol speeches;

CHP İzmir Provincial Chairman Şenol Aslanoğlu emphasized the importance of upholding Atatürk's legacy and keeping his values alive.  Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay, who attended with his wife, and the district mayors were also present at the event. 

Dr. Tugay delivered a speech describing the value Atatürk holds for Turkey and expressing commitment to his principles. Following the speeches by Umut Can Yaylacı on behalf of the ADD, a presentation that was watched with great enthusiasm began. 

Izmir's beloved artist Derya Derin dazzled on stage in her red dress. During the evening, where the libretto and narration were provided by Ulvi Puğ, President of the Izmir National Library Foundation, Derya Derin performed songs beloved by Atatürk as the soloist. The event was successfully carried out with historical narratives and stage performances regarding Atatürk and the Republic. 

When the program ended, it felt as if the sorrows in Izmir had vanished, and I began to look toward the future with hope. As we approached midnight, in Konak Square, to the whole world "Our path is the Republic, our compass is Atatürk" I felt like shouting.