Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was commemorated with respect and longing across Turkey on the 87th anniversary of his passing. Millions of people gathered at Anıtkabir to pay their respects to Atatürk. However, an incident that occurred on November 10 has found wide resonance on social media. A group of young people was confronted by officials while attempting to recite the Student Oath at Anıtkabir.
One of the officials intervened, telling the youth, “This is a tomb. Could you be respectful?”
Intervention against youth reciting the Student Oath at Anıtkabir https://t.co/OWgA2nbrAd pic.twitter.com/3ahYxNCnsx
— 12punto (@12puntocomtr) November 10, 2025
Following the incident, one of the young people stated on social media, “We came into the presence of our Ancestor with friends from Istanbul and different parts of Turkey. When our little brother, Emir Timur, began to recite the Student Oath, officials came to intervene. While no one interferes with those who enter Anıtkabir in the morning hours for years to chant political slogans, we were warned because we took an oath in the presence of our Ancestor to walk in his path. The official kept emphasizing that ‘this is a tomb.’ Anıtkabir and Atatürk belong to us! They belong to the Turkish youth! Mustafa Kemals are invincible!”
On the other hand, the slogans chanted in favor of Erdoğan in the courtyard of Anıtkabir, which have become a tradition for AKP members on every national holiday, have come to the agenda once again. The fact that the officials who intervened while the Student Oath was being recited remained silent when slogans were chanted in favor of Erdoğan on national holidays drew backlash.
News Source: 12punto
