Governor Baruş: 107th Anniversary of Erzurum Congress Celebrated with Enthusiasm

A lantern parade was organized as part of the 107th-anniversary events of the Erzurum Congress.

Citizens gathered at Havuzbaşı City Square and marched to Erzurum Castle, carrying a giant Turkish flag, an Atatürk poster, and torches.

After the march concluded, protocol members and citizens who arrived in front of the castle attended the "Erzurum Epic from the Poets' Lips" talk.

Erzurum Governor Aydın Baruş stated in his speech that they celebrated the 107th anniversary of the July 23 Erzurum Congress with great enthusiasm and pride. Baruş emphasized that the congress was a turning point in the history of the Turkish nation's struggle for independence.

Governor Baruş noted the high participation in the lantern parade, stating, "We marched to Erzurum Castle with the enthusiastic participation of our youth, children, and people. We are currently in front of Erzurum Castle. These ancient lands waged a great struggle for independence against the forces that occupied all corners of our country after the Armistice of Mudros, signed on October 30, 1918."

Baruş emphasized that Erzurum is one of the most important centers of Turkish history and the National Struggle. The Governor said, "The Erzurum Congress is one of the most important turning points in the history of our National Struggle and stands out with four fundamental aspects."

"Firstly, the decision 'the homeland is a whole within national borders, it cannot be divided' was accepted, emphasizing the indivisible integrity of the homeland. This principle continues to be one of the most fundamental values of the Turkish nation today. Secondly, 'the definitive rejection of mandates and protectorates' means that the Turkish nation has never accepted servitude throughout history, breaking the chains intended to shackle its will for independence and declaring this to the whole world once again at the Erzurum Congress. Thirdly, with the decision 'it is essential to make the national will dominant,' the foundations of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, to be established in the future, and the state concept based on national sovereignty were laid. Fourthly, 'the formation of the Representative Committee to direct and manage the War of Independence.' This committee later formed the basis of the government based on the national will with the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and played an important role in the successful conduct of the National Struggle."

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