EUReflect Honors the Legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Brussels

On 10 November, the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Brussels held a solemn ceremony marking the 87th anniversary of the passing of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic.

Representatives of diplomatic missions, military attachés, and members of the Turkish community gathered to pay tribute to a visionary leader whose reforms shaped not only the destiny of Türkiye but also inspired movements of modernization across the world.

In his address, Ambassador Görkem Barış Tantekin reflected on Atatürk’s timeless legacy, emphasizing that “Atatürk left us not only a nation, but also a goal — to continuously raise our country above the level of contemporary civilization.” He highlighted Türkiye’s enduring role as a bridge between Europe and Asia, a pillar of security within NATO, and a dynamic diplomatic force that continues to carry Atatürk’s vision into the second century of the Republic.

Colonel Ramazan Türkmen, NATO Military Attaché, presented a historical reflection on Atatürk’s passing through the lens of international press reactions in 1938 — from La Libre Belgique’s tribute to his statesmanship, to the New York Times describing him as “one of the most attractive men in history.”

Today, 10 November, stands as a moment of remembrance and renewal — a day to honor Atatürk’s unmatched contributions to peace, sovereignty, and modern statehood, while reaffirming Türkiye’s steadfast commitment to global cooperation and shared progress.

EUReflect joins the Turkish nation and its partners worldwide in commemorating the life, vision, and enduring ideals of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk — a leader whose legacy continues to illuminate the path toward a modern, inclusive, and forward-looking world.