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BODRUM'S SALUTE TO THE ADMIRAL: COMMEMORATING TURGUT REİS’ LEGACY

24.06.2024

Admiral Turgut Reis Remembered in Bodrum

Admiral Turgut Reis, who left significant marks in world maritime history, was commemorated on the 459th anniversary of his martyrdom through a programme organized by the Municipality.

As part of the Admiral Turgut Reis commemoration programme, a series of events were organized by the Municipality. Hundreds of citizens attended the “Admiral Turgut Reis Commemoration Concert” held by the AKSAZ Naval Base Command Band at Turgutreis Atatürk Square.

On the evening of June 23, Sunday, the Turgut Reis Commemoration Concert took place at Turgutreis Atatürk Square, with the attendance of Bodrum District Governor Mustafa Çit, Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, deputy mayors, municipal council members, district heads and people. As hundreds of citizens joined in the marches performed by the AKSAZ Naval Base Command Band, Mayor Tamer Mandalinci danced with the participants to the tune of the traditional “çökertme” accompanied by the band.

Mayor Tamer Mandalinci stated that Admiral Turgut Reis is one of the most glorious and greatest admirals in Turkish maritime history: “We are now at Turgutreis Atatürk Square. This square is where the republic’s founding leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, comes together with Admiral Turgut Reis, who was born here and gave his name to this area. It symbolizes the proud histories of the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Türkiye, celebrated and recognized worldwide. Out of respect for our forebears, we are renewing our Atatürk Square to reflect its original grandeur. Along with its renewed face, we will bring this area to European standards as a sign of the pride, honor and respect we feel for our elders. We are honored to be here, to live here, and to carry forward the legacy entrusted to us by our esteemed elders.”

“Admiral Turgut Reis Commemoration Ceremony” in Karabağ Neighborhood

A Commemoration Ceremony for Admiral Turgut Reis was held in the Karabağ district, organized by the Municipality. The ceremony was attended by Bodrum District Governor Mustafa Çit, General Coordinator Emel Çakaloğlu representing the Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, Coast Guard Bodrum Station Commander Major Raşit Gödelek, deputy mayors, municipal council members, district heads, State Artist and descendant of Admiral Turgut Reis Numan Pekdemir, the Chairman of the ‘Turgutreis History, Culture & Art Research Association’ Tarık Eray Çakır, AKSAZ Naval Base Command Band and citizens.

The programme continued with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, accompanied by the AKSAZ Naval Base Command Band, followed by speeches.

State Artist Numan Pekdemir, in his speech, shared his views and suggestions on how to introduce Admiral Turgut Reis to the world, while Tarık Eray Çakır, the Chairman of the ‘Turgutreis History, Culture & Art Research Association’, provided information about Admiral Turgut Reis and other important Turkish sailors.

Bodrum District Governor Mustafa Çit expressed his love and respect for all Turkish sailors and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, thanking everyone who honored Turgut Reis.

The commemoration ceremony in Karabağ neighborhood continued with the distribution of lokma (a traditional sweet) in memory of Amiral Turgut Reis.

TCG Karaburun at Turgutreis Port

As part of the Admiral Turgut Reis Commemoration Events, the TCG Karaburun, affiliated with the Naval Forces Command, was open for visits at Turgutreis Port from 14:00 to 16:00 on Sunday, June 23.