The "Independence March", written by Mehmet Akif Ersoy 103 years ago, is accepted as the heroic legend of Turkish people who sacrifice their lives for their country when needed and a national memorandum of understanding. Moreover, the Turkish Independence March is considered as the summary of the struggle given for the future. That meaningful day was commemorated by the events in our university and the programs attended by Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil. First, Rector Karahocagil attended the program organized by Kırşehir Social Sciences High School at Neşet Ertaş Culture and Congress Center and attended by the protocol. Then, he participated in the program themed "Türk'ün özü, Akif'in sözü" organized by Moskow Yunus Emre Institute(YEE) online. Afterwards, the KAEU Faculty of Arts and Sciences organized a program for the adoption of the Turkish Independence March and commemoration of Mehmet Akif Ersoy.
The Oratorio Play of "Akif and the Future" was Staged
The event, hosted by Kırşehir Social Sciences High School, began with a moment of silence, the singing of the National Anthem, and the recitation of the Quran. The opening speech of the program was delivered by the Provincial Director of National Education Yasin Gülşen. Following this, students performed the oratorio play "Akif and the Future," and poems by Mehmet Akif Ersoy were recited. Rector Karahocagil and the Kırşehir protocol also attended the program.
KAEÜ Became the Art Coordinator in the Project involving Russian Artists
In the program organized by the Moscow Yunus Emre Institute, the first two verses of the Turkish National Anthem were performed accompanied by various traditional musical instruments specific to seven cities from seven regions of Turkiye, such as kemenche, kanun, ney, tambur, ud, bağlama, kopuz, violin, as well as traditional Russian musical instruments including bayan, balalaika, and gusli. This performance, recorded on video, was the result of the efforts of 115 people, including academics, musicians, and students. Kubilay Kolukırık from the KAEU Faculty of Fine Arts served as the art coordinator for the project, which also involved participation from Akdeniz University from Antalya, Atatürk University from Erzurum, Adnan Menderes University from Aydın, Harran University from Şanlıurfa, Kastamonu University, and Balıkesir University, in addition to contributions from some Russian artists.
If the Great Poet Akif were Alive Today, He would Write a Touching Poem for Gaza as well
In the online conference attended by Turkiye's Ambassador to Moscow Tanju Bilgiç and university rectors, Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil expressed his appreciation for both the participation of universities from all seven regions and the international celebration of the acceptance of the Turkish National Anthem. He emphasized that Mehmet Akif Ersoy was not only the poet of the Turkish world but also of Islamic geography, suggesting that if the great poet were alive today, he would surely write a touching poem for Gaza as well. Karahocagil underscored their commitment to perpetuating the national consciousness instilled by Akif both nationally and internationally, greeting all participants and expressing gratitude for the organization of the event.
Finally, at the KAEU Faculty of Arts and Sciences Conference Hall, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Kavas delivered a conference titled "The National Struggle in Mehmet Akif Ersoy's Poems and the Acceptance of the National Anthem," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maksut Yiğitbaş gave a speech on "Mehmet Akif Ersoy's Perspective on Music," Dr. Fatih Dinçer discussed "Mehmet Akif Ersoy's Life and Literary Persona," and Dr. Ayşegül Sekman made a presentation on "Mehmet Akif Ersoy's World of Values."
