The official ceremony held in the morning with the participation of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Aşkın Bak, Anıtkabir was opened to the public between 10.00 and 21.00. Thousands of citizens of all ages, holding posters of Atatürk, Turkish flags, and flowers, visited the mausoleum at the Mediterranean and Anatolian gates.
Due to the intensity of interest in the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, Anıtkabir welcomed 221,717 visitors. Some of the citizens who placed flowers on Atatürk’s mausoleum recited prayers. The ceremony performed by the soldiers during the changing of the guard was watched with interest by the visitors. Those visiting Anıtkabir took photos in the ceremonial area.
The visitors expressed their respect and love for Atatürk by leaving their tributes and prayers at the mausoleum. They observed the changing of the guard ceremony with admiration and took the opportunity to capture the moment with photos. The Turkish flag, Atatürk posters, and flowers symbolized the deep connection and respect that the people have for the founder of the Republic of Turkey.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Aşkın Bak, emphasized the importance of remembering Atatürk and the significance of Youth and Sports Day in his speech at the official ceremony. The visitors at Anıtkabir were of all ages and backgrounds, showing that Atatürk’s legacy continues to resonate with the Turkish people. The atmosphere was solemn yet festive, with citizens paying their respects and taking the opportunity to reflect on the values that Atatürk stood for.
The 221,717 visitors who came to Anıtkabir on the occasion of May 19 experienced a day of remembrance, reflection, and celebration. As the day drew to a close, the visitors departed with a renewed sense of pride and admiration for Atatürk and the ideals he championed. The atmosphere at Anıtkabir was one of reverence and unity, as people from all walks of life came together to honor the memory of the founding father of modern Turkey.