Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, was commemorated on the 88th anniversary of his passing with the "Chain of Respect for Ata" event held in Kadıköy. Thousands of citizens participated in the event, which is organized annually as part of the November 10 program by the Kadıköy Municipality and Kadıköy Municipality Volunteers.
Gathering along the 6.5-kilometer coastal stretch between the Fenerbahçe Military Officers' Club and Bostancı, citizens held hands to form a chain, carrying Turkish flags and posters of Atatürk. In the commemoration, which saw participants of all ages, a giant Atatürk poster and a Turkish flag were also unfurled by the Kadıköy Municipality.
Despite the cold weather and rain, the residents of Kadıköy who gathered on the coast observed a moment of silence at 09:05 when the sirens sounded. The National Anthem was then sung.
Kadıköy Mayor Mesut Kösedağı and his wife, Nihal Kösedağı, also attended the event. Stating that the people of Kadıköy had once again demonstrated their devotion to Atatürk, Kösedağı said they would continue to protect the legacy of the Republic.
We will always continue to protect the Republic of Turkey, that beautiful legacy left to us by Atatürk, and to keep the memories of our Atatürk, his goals, and the values he left us alive.
Kösedağı expressed his gratitude to the citizens who participated in the event, stating that the love for Atatürk would continue to grow with the support of the people of Kadıköy.
News Source: 12punto
