Speaking at the ceremony organized by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) Provincial Branch as part of the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day celebrations in İzmir, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay said, “May 19 marks the first day that set Türkiye back on its feet. We will never forget the significance of that day.” Following the ceremony held at Cumhuriyet Meydanı, a youth march accompanied by a replica of the Bandırma Ferry was organized.
Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay attended the ceremony held at Cumhuriyet Meydanı by the CHP İzmir Provincial Branch as part of the 107th anniversary of the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. Alongside CHP İzmir Provincial Chair Çağatay Güç, the ceremony was attended by members of parliament, mayors, party officials, municipal council members and party members. A wreath was laid at the Atatürk Monument by CHP İzmir Provincial Chair Çağatay Güç, CHP Women’s Branch Chair Zahide Kurun and Provincial Youth Branch Chair Ruhsar Selis Çelik. Following the ceremony, participants marched to Alsancak Ferry Terminal in a cortege accompanied by the replica of the Bandırma Ferry.

“Atatürk is the greatest leader the world has ever seen”
Opening his speech with the words “Dear republicans, followers of Atatürk, patriots and fellow companions in the struggle for republican values,” Mayor Tugay emphasized the historical importance of May 19.
“No matter how difficult the conditions of the country were 107 years ago, a great leader who trusted his people launched a struggle and crowned it with victory. May 19 marks the first day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—the greatest leader the world has ever seen—set Türkiye back on its feet. For this reason, it carries a very special and historic meaning for us. We can never forget the significance of this day,” he said.
Tugay also noted that Atatürk delivered an important message by dedicating the holiday to young people and stated that İzmir represents the young and dynamic face of the Republic.

“Happy holiday to all of us”
Stating that May 19 is not only a holiday dedicated to youth but also a day to remember responsibilities toward young people, Mayor Tugay criticized the current state of the country.

“We know that this difficult period will come to an end through an election shaped by the will of the people. We must continue to struggle so that people can attain the democracy, freedom and future that young people deserve. Happy holiday to all of us,” he said.

“Young people are the rightful owners of this Republic”
CHP İzmir Provincial Chair Çağatay Güç stated that May 19 symbolizes the struggle for freedom and independence and emphasized that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk entrusted the Republic to young people.
Expressing concern that young people are being driven into hopelessness, Güç said: “Today, the hopes of young people are under occupation. Yet standing against this is a generation that protects Atatürk’s legacy.”
He stressed that young people should not be forced to seek their future abroad, adding: “We will make this country one where young people do not feel compelled to leave. Because young people are not guests of this Republic—they are its rightful owners.”

“We learned to follow Atatürk’s path from childhood”
CHP İzmir Provincial Youth Branch Chair Ruhsar Selis Çelik also addressed participants, saying: “Today, we commemorate a nation rising once again. Today marks the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed in Samsun and changed the course of history.”
Recalling the challenges faced by young people in education, housing and employment, Çelik said: “Today, some of the most successful young people in this country are forced to pack their bags and leave abroad. We will not abandon this country. We will not leave this Republic without guardians. Because we are the generation raised with Atatürk’s Address to Youth. We learned commitment to this country and following Atatürk’s path from childhood.”

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