Erdoğan commemorates 105th anniversary of Turkish national anthem

2026-03-13 - 00:02

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Thursday marked the 105th anniversary of the adoption of Türkiye's national anthem, commemorating national poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy who penned the iconic verses. In a post on Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Erdoğan said the anthem represents the most concise symbol of the nation's shared values and its common vision for the past and the future. Title deed of independence Erdoğan commemorated Ersoy with mercy and expressed gratitude to the members of parliament who adopted the anthem, describing it as "the title deed of not only our independence but also our future." He prayed for mercy upon all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland, particularly during the War of Independence, as well as for veterans. Pledge to defend "As President of Türkiye, as Chairman of the AK Party, and above all as a son of this noble and honorable nation, I declare once again today that we will defend our National Anthem and our independence until our last breath, and that we will shield them with our chests if necessary," Erdoğan stressed, reaffirming the enduring significance of the anthem and the values it represents. Historical significance The Turkish national anthem, officially titled "İstiklal Marşı" (Independence March), was adopted on March 12, 1921, by the Grand National Assembly. Written by Mehmet Akif Ersoy during the Turkish War of Independence, the anthem reflects the nation's struggle for freedom and has remained a powerful symbol of Turkish identity and sovereignty for over a century.