Coaster Shipowners and Operators Association (KOSDER) experienced the enthusiasm of the 100th anniversary of the Republic with its members.
The organization held at Istanbul Rahmi Koç Museum on Sunday, October 22, was attended by Turkish Cypriot Maritime Administration General Manager Cemalettin Şevli, Piri Reis University Rector Prof. Dr. Nafiz Arıca, Deans of Maritime Faculties, Academicians, KOSDER members and guests of supporting organizations attended.
The opening speech of the organization, which started with a moment of silence for the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades in arms, and the reading of the National Anthem, was made by Hakan Çendik, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KOSDER.
“It is a great opportunity and a source of pride to witness the 100th anniversary of our Republic.”
Hakan Çendik started his speech by stating that it was a great chance and a source of pride to witness the 100th anniversary of the Republic: "Despite all difficulties and poverty, risking death for the sake of freedom, bringing our nation to its 'Independence' and the 100th anniversary of our Republic with a victory unprecedented in history; I think that starting the speech by commemorating Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his heroic comrades would be the best start. We present before you all the sentences we have made in the name of the Republic and democracy, all the republic festivals we have held with enthusiasm for 100 years, and more importantly, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades in arms, who are the architects of our Republic, which is the guarantee of our democracy and freedom, as well as our dear martyrs and veterans who made this land a homeland with their blood. I remember him once again with endless gratitude and mercy.”
“The Turkish nation will forever protect the Republic and its values.”
Hakan Çendik continued his words by emphasizing that the Turkish nation showed the whole world that it will protect the Republic and its values forever: “Just like on October 29, 1923, we, who took over the flag to build a bright future, also; We continue to walk with firm steps on the path pointed out by the rational, modern and secular Republic based on national sovereignty. On the 100th anniversary of this blessed walk; "As the children of a heroic generation that was reborn from its ashes with a thousand sacrifices, we promise to protect all the values of the Republic and to take care of the legacy we inherited."
Stating that the importance of having a republic is better understood in our age, Mayor Çendik said, “Especially in the last 10 years; "The wars in our nearby geography and the sad developments that never end clearly show once again that we must hold tighter and stronger to the Republic and its priceless achievements that bring us together as a nation." said.
Emphasizing unity and solidarity, Chairman of the Board of Directors Hakan Çendik said, “I would like to point out that the unity and solidarity that paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of Turkey is another valuable issue that brings us together here today. With your permission, the architects of this important and proud union; We would like to thank our sponsors who showed great kindness and support when it came to the Republic and Atatürk, our previous President Ms. Pınar Kalkavan Sesel, who put our event at the top of KOSDER's agenda a year and a half ago, and who always made us feel that we were a big family and welcomed us together with their spouses. I would like to thank our valuable members who did not leave me alone.” he said.
“Income from the organization; "It will provide scholarship support to 100 students on the 100th anniversary of the Republic."
Announcing good news for sailor students, Mayor Çendik noted that they will provide scholarship support to 100 students on the 100th anniversary of the Republic with the income obtained from the organization and that they will transfer what comes from the sector to the sector.
After the opening speech, the organization was organized by Prof. Dr. It continued with İlber Ortaylı's talk titled "From Liberation to Establishment".
In addition, guests at the invitation transferred their feelings and thoughts to the memory book prepared to commemorate the night.
The night ended with the guests singing the anthems together and Ataturk's favorite songs.
