Nation to remember founding father Atatürk

Anıtkabir will be open to visit until 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 in an event which sees tens of thousands of people gather every year. 

The facility has been decorated with a placard by the army, reading that the nation will remember Atatürk longingly. 

“Gazi Mustafa Kemal succeeded in the struggle he led for independence and the future during the hardest times of the nation,” said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in a written statement on Nov. 9, saying the country continued to walk toward its targets for 2023, the 100th year of the foundation of the republic. 
Prime Minister Davutoğlu said Atatürk’s biggest goal was making Turkey a civilized, wealthy, united country. 

“Today, our country, on its route to a big Turkey, has taken important steps in terms of democratic rights and freedoms, becoming one of the most respectful countries in the world,” he said. 

Life will stop for one minute across the country at 9:05 a.m., the exact moment Atatürk passed away, as the entire nation will stand in silence and drivers will blow their horns. 

As part of the commemoration, a number of other ceremonies will be held. 

A ceremony will be held in his room at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace, where he spent his last days. 

Wreaths will be laid on the Atatürk statue in Taksim in central Istanbul.

Citizens will form a “chain of respect for Atatürk” on the Asian side of the city.

There will be a program at the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall. 

Members of the Istanbul Classical Cars Association will tour the city with 77 cars while wearing Atatürk masks.