Message of Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, on the 110th Anniversary of the 18 March Martyrs' Remembrance Day and the Çanakkale Victory:

‘IF I SAY “LET ME BURY YOU IN HISTORY” YOU WOULDN'T FIT!

Today is the 110th anniversary of the 18 March Martyrs' Memorial Day and the Çanakkale Victory, when our esteemed nation showed the whole world what it can achieve when it comes to homeland, faith, independence, and survival.

As a nation, while celebrating this glorious victory with great pride, we remember our esteemed martyrs who sacrificed their lives for it with deep gratitude and mercy.

As Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, we proudly carry the legacy of our National Poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy, whose name we bear. Mehmet Akif Ersoy, in his verses where he penned the revered heroes of the Çanakkale epic, emphasized that the sacrifices and achievements of our martyrs who gave their lives for the homeland are too great to fit into the pages of history by saying “If I say ‘let me bury you in history’” you wouldn't fit! The spirit brought to life in these verses is a unique expression of our nation's courage and determination, forged with love for the homeland.

This unparalleled courage and determination shown to protect the homeland soil amidst deprivation and hardships made the whole world accept the truth that Çanakkale is Impassable!

The Çanakkale Victory was not only a military success but also a historical turning point that ignited the torch of the National Struggle and paved the way for the establishment of the independent Republic of Turkey.

Our duty is to uphold with the same determination the glorious history written with the blood of our esteemed martyrs in Çanakkale 110 years ago and the values for which lives were sacrificed, and to pass on the spirit of Çanakkale to future generations.

With these feelings, I celebrate the 110th Anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory, and on 18 March Martyrs' Day, I commemorate all our martyrs, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal, and all our heroes with mercy and gratitude.

May their souls be blessed, and their places be heaven.

Prof. Dr. Hüseyin DALGAR
Rector