President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a circular regarding the celebration of 2021 as the Year of Mehmet Akif and the National Anthem.
The circular published in the Official Gazette numbered 2021/6 and dated 6/3/2021 with President Erdoğan's signature reiterated that the National Anthem, written by Mehmet Akif Ersoy in the most difficult days of the struggle for salvation and independence, was adopted as the National Anthem on March 12, 1921.
The circular, which noted that the National Anthem, the monumental expression of the struggle for independence won with great difficulties, has transformed the whole nation into national identity and individuality throughout the country, indicated that "On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its adoption as the Turkish National Anthem, one of the most important documents of freedom, independence and the National Struggle, 2021 Year has been adopted as the National Anthem Year in accordance with the provisional article no.1 added to the Law numbered 5649 and dated 4/5/2007 with the Law numbered 7261 and dated 24/12/2020."
The circular stated that commemoration events would be held so that the adoption of the National Anthem and Mehmet Akif Ersoy will be commemorated and celebrated by all public institutions and organisations with the participation of the public and non-governmental organisations during 2021 to explain the meaning of the Turkish National Anthem and the significance of the War of Independence.
It is noted that the activities to be organised throughout the year will be carried out and coordinated by the Central Executive Board established by the Regulation on the Day of the Adoption of Turkish National Anthem and Commemoration of Mehmet Akif Ersoy.
In the circular which underlines the relevant activities to be designated by the Presidency might be carried out under the auspices of the Presidency, it is stated that logos, posters, bulletins, invitations, announcements and similar papers and visual documents related to the events will be used pursuant to the corporate identity determined by the Board.
In the circular which noted that the expenses of the projects and events to be organised would be covered by the relevant public institutions and organisations, President Erdoğan said, "Within the framework of celebrations for 2021 as Mehmet Akif and the National Anthem Year, I submit this for the information of and necessary action by all public institutions and organisations in order to provide all kinds of support, assistance and ease that will be needed to carry out the activities in the best possible manner throughout the year without delay and as a priority."