By Kadir Duran / Bruxelles Korner , 10 November 2025

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The Embassy of Türkiye in Belgium commemorated the 87th anniversary of the passing of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye, during a solemn ceremony bringing together diplomats, military officials, representatives of the Turkish community, and invited guests.

The commemoration opened with the traditional minute of silence, observed in deep respect across the room.

“Atatürk: A Living Legacy and a Vision for the Future”

Speech by the Ambassador’s Attachée

The Ambassador’s Attachée opened the ceremony by recalling Atatürk’s unparalleled place in world history:

“Atatürk is not merely a military commander or a state founder. He is a leader whose vision transcended his time and offered humanity a new horizon.”

She emphasized that the Republic established by Atatürk remains the greatest inheritance for future generations, rooted in equality, liberty, human dignity, and modern principles.

Speaking as a Turkish woman diplomat, she highlighted the historic progress brought by Atatürk, who granted Turkish women the right to vote and to be elected before many European nations:

“As a Turkish woman, I feel every day the value of the rights and opportunities the Republic has given us.”

She reminded the audience that 10 November is not only a day of mourning but also a moment to renew commitment to Atatürk’s ideals: modernity, science, peace, and national unity.

“A Military Genius and a Universal Statesman”

Presentation by Colonel Alper Ramazan Türkmen, Military Attaché

Colonel Türkmen delivered an extensive presentation on how news of Atatürk’s death was reflected across the international press in 1938. Drawing from archival headlines, he highlighted:

• In Belgium, newspapers described Atatürk as “the only statesman able to transform a nation so profoundly in such little time.”

• In Germany, the press praised the emergence of the “New Türkiye” shaped by his reforms.

• In France, editorials analyzed his multidimensional personality and revolutionary leadership.

• In the United States, several major papers referred to him as “one of the greatest men in history.”

• In Austria, front-page headlines read: “A State Architect, a Man of Great Ideas, Has Died.”

• In the United Kingdom, editorials stressed that history had “rarely witnessed such an extraordinary national transformation.”

• In Iran, a full month of national mourning was declared.

• In Italy, a now-famous message was broadcast on national radio:

“Caesar, Alexander, Napoleon… Rise. Your elder arrives.”

• In Japan, newspapers wrote: “A great soldier — yet an even greater statesman.”

He also recalled the words of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who described Atatürk as “the most valuable statesman in Europe.”

“A Nation That Achieved Great Things in a Short Time”

Speech by Ambassador Barış Tantekin

Ambassador Barış Tantekin emphasized that modern Türkiye, now entering its second century, continues to follow Atatürk’s path:

“Atatürk’s greatest legacy is not only a political project. It is a living trust — a direction and a permanent objective for future generations.”

He highlighted Türkiye’s current international standing:

• Second-largest army in NATO,

• A key and reliable NATO ally,

• A strategic bridge between East and West, North and South,

• One of the three nations with the world’s largest diplomatic and consular networks,

• A committed defender of legitimate causes, including those of the TRNC and Azerbaijan.

The Ambassador reaffirmed the duty to safeguard Atatürk’s legacy:

“Protecting Atatürk’s trust is a sacred responsibility. We will keep our Republic vibrant, united, and ever stronger.”

Youth Takes the Stage: Reading of “Gidiyor”

Student Lina Uçan took the podium to recite “Gidiyor,” the iconic poem by Orhan Seyfi Orhon.

The emotional verses portraying a nation following the silhouette of its leader in solemn silence deeply moved the audience.

Signing of the Book of Remembrance

The ceremony concluded with the signing of the Book of Remembrance for Atatürk, open to all participants wishing to leave messages of respect, tribute, or personal reflection.

A Universal Legacy Honored in the Heart of Europe

In Brussels at the crossroads of NATO and EU institutions the Turkish diaspora once again demonstrated that Atatürk’s vision remains a guiding force, inspiring Türkiye’s path toward modernity, peace, dignity, and national sovereignty.