The calendars showed the month of December 1919. World War the first, continued for years, was just ended, and the Ottoman Empire was defeated in this battle as a result of its government in Istanbul, which was subordinate to the dynasty, having to sign the Mondros ceasefire. This arrangement which terms were so severe and rigid was a sign that the real battle was not over yet. The dynasty was also aware of the situation, but because they did not have a weapon to fight the British, nor a sufficient army, they accepted the treaty without even negotiating. But the situation in Anatolia was different, people whom the dynasty ignored for years were swarming with the fire of independence. Mustafa Kemal, commissioned by the dynasty to suppress the rebellions, started the liberation struggle by going to Samsun.
Morning of December 27, 1919, While the sun was scattering its first lights over Elma mountain, it was almost greeting a new beginning. On that day, we woke up early in the morning to the sounds of drums and zurna, Tellal Ali Dayı was spreading the news that Mustafa Kemal Pasha came on the streets with his strong voice. Seymenler, sheikhs, civil servants, teachers, and tradesmen ran downhill from Dikmen’s ridges. The streets of Ankara have never seen that much crowd: over 30.000 people were waiting to welcome Mustafa Kemal and Representation Committee. Seymenler Regiment was in front of the welcoming committee; before the regiment, there was a national band formed of 30 zurna and 50 drums. Güveçli Ibrahim, a flag in one hand and a sword with gold processing in the other, stands at the head of the regiment. 20. Corps Commander Ali Fuat Pasha and Deputy Governor of Ankara Yahya Galip Bey were among those who welcomed. Mufti Rıfat Börekçi, the President of the Ankara Defense Law Society, invited Mustafa Kemal to Ankara, and all of society was there. In the afternoon, the cars began to descend from Dikmen’s back. I see him, Mustafa Kemal pasha, he got off from the first car. There was A thick cane in one of his hands, an astragal calpac on his head and an arched grizzly topcoat. He was greeting his people from a deep blue place. “Hello Efeler,” he said and continued. “why did you come, why did you bother?”
“We came to fight for the sake of homeland and independence.” we all shouted together.
After this welcoming ceremony, Mustafa Kemal pasha and the representation committee went to the government mansion accompanied by the enthusiastic welcome of the people. When they came in front of the manor, Ankara High School student Münir Müyeyet reads the favourite poem of the pasha to Mustafa Kemal Pasha, Ferda from Tevfik Fikret. Mustafa Kemal Pasha announced his arrival in Ankara to all Anatolia with a communiqué. After that day, all homeland lovers were on their way to Ankara. They flocked to the headquarters where this spirit of national struggle was embodied and took shape. They came to Ankara with excitement, enthusiasm, determination and hope for the future. wholeheartedly welcome Atatürk to our Ankara.
