11th President Abdullah Gül celebrated the 102nd anniversary of the August 30 Victory Day on his X account.
"HAPPY VICTORY DAY"
In his August 30 message, Gül stated, "Happy August 30 Victory Day. On the anniversary of this great victory, I commemorate Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms with gratitude, and remember our dear martyrs with mercy."
Gül closed his August 30 Victory Day post to comments.
HE USED TO FALL ILL DURING NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
During his presidency, Abdullah Gül frequently fell ill during national holidays. Gül, who did not attend official ceremonies due to his health, drew criticism.
THIS IS HOW HE RESPONDED TO THE CRITICISM
Eight years after leaving office, Gül responded to criticisms that he did not attend national holiday celebrations or visit Anıtkabir during his presidency.
Gül had used the following expressions:
"For a long time, some people spoke against me, claiming that I did not attend national holidays or visit Anıtkabir while I was President. I considered it beneath me to refute these, but when people I never expected began to believe them, I felt compelled to make such a statement.
During my 7 years as President, I attended all the national holidays I was required to attend and took pride in them. I ensured they were celebrated in the best possible way. Before me, the August 30 Victory Day receptions were held in military clubs. For the first time as President, I took them under my own authority and ensured they were celebrated much more magnificently at Çankaya. It was out of the question for me not to visit Anıtkabir. During my 7-year presidency, I was unable to attend the visits only once, due to an illness during a trip to Kyrgyzstan."
News Source: 12punto
