Muradiye District Governor Melih Aydoğan, along with volunteers from the Turkish Red Crescent Muradiye Branch, visited 101-year-old Şener in his home in Uluşar Neighborhood. After presenting him with flowers, a birthday cake with the words “Happy 101st Birthday Republic Woman” written on it was cut for Şener. Şener, who is the same age as the Republic of Turkey, shared some of his memories with Governor Aydoğan and the Red Crescent volunteers.
During the visit to Şener’s home, Governor Aydoğan stated that Şener is a century-old, living witness to the Republic. He emphasized the importance of Şener passing down his experiences to the younger generation, stating that it is a valuable contribution to preserving history and traditions. He also mentioned that Şener’s insight into events from the past can provide a unique perspective on the country’s history.
Aydoğan expressed his admiration for Şener’s connection to the Republic and his dedication to sharing his memories with others. He highlighted the significance of Şener’s experiences and the insights he can offer as someone who has lived through many historical events. Aydoğan also emphasized the importance of listening to the stories of elderly individuals like Şener in order to gain a deeper understanding of the past.
Speaking about the visit, Governor Aydoğan mentioned that during their time with Şener, he shared stories about Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Republic, and past celebrations. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Republic Day with Şener and learn from his experiences. Aydoğan stated that visiting Şener on Republic Day was a meaningful way to connect with the country’s history and honor those who have witnessed significant moments in Turkey’s past.
Melih Şener, acknowledging his grandmother’s age and connection to the Republic, shared that she had seen Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Muradiye. He reflected on the privilege of belonging to a generation that had such close interactions with the country’s founding figures. He expressed admiration for his grandmother’s experiences and recognized the significance of her stories in preserving the country’s history for future generations. By celebrating Şener’s birthday and listening to his stories, Governor Aydoğan and the Red Crescent volunteers paid tribute to his role as a living link to the Republic’s early years.
In conclusion, the visit to Şener’s home was a touching and meaningful event that highlighted the importance of connecting with older generations and learning from their experiences. Governor Aydoğan and the Red Crescent volunteers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Şener’s birthday and hear his stories about the early days of the Republic. The visit served as a reminder of the value of living witnesses to history and the role they play in preserving the country’s cultural heritage. By honoring Şener and recognizing his contributions, the community demonstrated its commitment to honoring the past and learning from those who have shaped Turkey’s history.