SNAPSHOTS: Highlights from Obama's landmark Turkey visit

** President Abdullah Gul and his counterpart U.S President Barack Obama made a gesture to each other by wearing ties that represent the color of the flag of others country. Gul wore blue tie, while Obama was in red tie. �

** Obama greeted soldiers at Cankaya Presidential Palace in Turkish, saying “Merhaba Asker!” (Hello Soldier!) �

** Tight security measures have been taken in Ankara for Obama's visit. In the capital many roads on the convoy's route have been blocked and thousands of policemen from special operations teams have been deployed along the routes. Mobile phone jammers have also been activated in the area.�

** The lives of Ankara residents were disrupted yesterday because of road closures and strict security measures taken to guarantee the safety of U.S. President Barack Obama during his stay.

** Praising modern Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as a "man with vision, tenacity and courage who put Turkey on the path of democracy," Obama concluded quoting one of the most popular sayings of Ataturk "Peace at home, peace in the world," in the memorial book at Ataturk's mausoleum where he laid a wreath.

** Under heavy security measures with about 4,000 policemen on duty, Obama proceeded from Ataturk’s mausoleum to the presidential palace where he was warmly greeted by President Abdullah Gul. He was honored with 21 gun salute, which startled the U.S. President Obama, who was stunned by the noise from the first shot.    �

** Left handed Obama wrote his message in a guest book at Ataturk's mausoleum with his own handwriting. He wrote his message for nearly four minutes.

** The commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces, or TSK, who did not join any official reception, ceremony or special session organized in Parliament after the Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party, or DTP, entered parliament, changed their attitudes. The top cadre of military, after a hiatus of 21 months, was in Parliament to listen to Obama’s speech.

** One of the interesting guests of the participants, which were invited by the U.S. Embassy to listen to Obama’s Parliamentary speech, was Oksan Oztok, an activist defending homosexual rights.

** Some 350 national and international press members followed Obama’s speech in Parliament. Around 50 domestic and international media institutions were in Parliament to convey Obama’s speech to the world in cooperation with the state-run Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, or, TRT, and parliament TV.   

** Extraordinary security measures have been taken in Parliament. Cars were not permitted to enter the grounds and the sharp shooters were deployed on the roofs of nearby buildings. Besides Turkish security officers, four American security officers including, two female deputies, also attended police check points.