Turkish nation remembers the founder of the country, Ataturk
Güncelleme Tarihi:
The entire country is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the passing of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey's founder, in solemn ceremonies around the country on Monday. (UPDATED)
The first ceremony is being held at Ataturk's mausoleum, Anitkabir, in Ankara, with top state officials led by President Abdullah Gul laying a wreath at his tomb at 9:05 a.m., the time when Ataturk passed away.
Gul also signed the book of the mausoleum.
"We are at your presence with the honor of being a powerful country which became an element of confidence and balance in its region. Turkey has gained respect of the whole world with its position, power, dynamism, its international influence and its contributions to world's peace and stability," he wrote.
All flags around the country were lowered to half-mast between 9:05 a.m. and sundown.
All civil defense sirens were on for two minutes starting from 9:05 a.m.There are also events scheduled throughout the week of Nov. 10-16 around the country as part of the Ataturk Remembrance Week.