In cooperation with Erzurum Technical University (ETÜ) and Turkish War Disabled Veterans, Martyrs, Widows and Orphans Erzurum Branch Directorate, the "100th Year with Our Veterans" event was organized on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary celebrations of our Republic.

Prof. Dr. ETÜ Vice Rector Prof. attended the event held at Muammer Yaylalı Conference Hall. Dr. Ceren Sultan Elmalı, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Birol Soysal, Turkish War Disabled Veterans, Martyrs, Widows and Orphans Erzurum Branch President Recep Akgül, academics, veterans and many students attended.

While the 100th anniversary celebration was experienced in Erzurum, the city where the foundations of the Republic of Turkey were laid, veterans, individuals with special needs and athletes came together at the event held at ETÜ.

Speaking at the opening of the program, which started after the reading of the National Anthem and a moment of silence, Atatürk Secondary School Guidance Teacher Ömer Bektaş, who has special needs, stated that the Turkish nation gained basic human rights such as freedom and equality with the republican administration and said: "With the republic gifted by our martyrs and veterans, the Turkish nation is independent, free and safe." He found a life within himself. For this reason, we have to understand very well the meaning and importance of the Republic that our ancestors left us, to protect the Republic and its values and to fulfill our duty properly. "On this occasion, we offer God's mercy to our martyrs, peace and gratitude to our veterans," he said.

World champion national athlete Dr. took the stage after Ömer Teacher's speech. Lecturer Member Cebrail Gençoğlu and arm wrestler Muhammet Kimkuran told the audience about the pride of carrying the national jersey in the competitions.

Later, Turkish Armed Forces veterans Recep Akgül, Hüseyin Tekin, Fırat Küçük, Sedat Aktaş, Mehmet Korkmaz, Ensar Güney and Halil İbrahim Çelik, who were injured in various operations carried out in the domestic and border regions, explained their experiences and stated that they were ready to give their lives for the country if necessary.

The program ended with Osman Gazi Secondary School special needs student Abdulkadir Akpınar reading a poem and then taking a souvenir photo.

Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate 27.10.2023