President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a message on March 12, "Adoption of the Turkish National Anthem and Mehmet Akif Ersoy Commemoration Day".
President Erdoğan made the following statement on the 104th anniversary of the adoption of the Turkish National Anthem:
"I commemorate the 104th anniversary of the adoption of the Turkish National Anthem, a testament to the Turkish nation's will, resolve, perseverance and determination for independence.
March 12, 1921, marks not just the adoption of an anthem; it stands as a symbol of a nation's rebirth and its struggle for freedom.
The late Mehmet Akif Ersoy bequeathed us a remarkable legacy by articulating the emotions and aspirations of the Turkish nation through his writing. Not just a poet but a fervent patriot ignited by the flame of independence, the late Akif crafted poignant verses with his pen during the bleakest days of our history, playing a vital role in our nation's quest for freedom; he increased the courage of the people and became a beacon of hope.
The Turkish National Anthem is one of the founding texts of the Republic of Türkiye and one of the finest written expressions of our civilisation's heritage. It summarises the profound values of the Turkish nation, such as the deep love for our homeland, the fervent desire for independence, and the strong sense of national identity, all expressed with heartfelt eloquence.
With these thoughts in mind, we, the descendants of Asım, will always uphold the principles outlined in the Turkish National Anthem and will persist in perpetuating the spirit of the Turkish National Anthem and the ideals of the late Akif.
On the 104th anniversary of the adoption of the Turkish National Anthem, I respectfully and gratefully remember all our heroes, especially the late Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who penned the most beautiful expressions of the nobility, honour, and struggle for independence of the Turkish nation and those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our homeland. I extend my warmest greetings to my fellow citizens."