Message from Rector Dalgar on the 104th anniversary of the acceptance of the İstiklâl Marşı

I LIVED FREE, I WILL LIVE FREE!

Today we proudly celebrate the 104th anniversary of the acceptance of our National Anthem. 

This unique anthem, penned by our National Poet Mehmet Âkif Ersoy, after whom our university is named, is not just a national anthem but the clearest and loudest expression of our nation's struggle for existence, faith, and hope for the future.

The National Anthem is a masterpiece that beautifully narrates the heroism, courage, and sacrifice demonstrated by the Turkish nation throughout history, and we say "maşallah" 41 times to its 41 verses. 

Starting with “Fear not!” and ending with “Independence”, our National Anthem emphasizes our nation's belief that it will resist without losing hope even in difficult times and eventually achieve victory. In this aspect, our anthem is a guide that has touched our hearts from past to present, giving us strength, spurring our enthusiasm, and showing us the way.

The National Anthem is our national consensus text.

At the time when the National Anthem was accepted, the Turkish nation was undergoing one of the toughest tests in history. Every individual of our nation, despite scarcity and difficulties, united in the national struggle, heroically resisted the occupation by igniting the fire of independence. This spirit of struggle was immortalized in the pen of Mehmet Akif Ersoy and crowned with the National Anthem, the symbol of our independence.

Throughout the 104 years that have passed, the National Anthem has continued to be the mortar of our national unity and solidarity, securing an unshakeable place in each of our hearts. 

We wholeheartedly repeat Âkif’s prayer “May Allah never make this nation write another National Anthem” and work with great effort to fulfill its necessity. 

On the 104th anniversary of the acceptance of our National Anthem, I commemorate Mehmet Âkif Ersoy and all the heroes of our independence struggle with mercy and gratitude. 

Prof. Dr. Hüseyin DALGAR
Rector of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University