In this memory where Atatürk embraces the Turkish people, a Greek officer approaches them. What would Ataturk’s reaction be at that time? What happened in that memory that Mehmet Ali Ağakay mentioned in his book? Here are those moments…
ATATURK’S MEMORY WITH HIS GREEK OFFICER
The Constitutional Monarchy has been declared, every part of the country is celebrating weddings. At that time, Kolağası Mustafa Kemal Bey was on his way to Western Tripoli on a political mission, and the ship he boarded stopped at the port of Chania in Crete.
When the Turks of the island, who wholeheartedly participated in the joy and excitement in their homeland, heard from the passengers disembarking that there was a Turkish officer on the ferry, as well as one of the officers who rebelled against Abdulhamid, they immediately sent a call committee, conveyed their greetings, love and longings and asked him to go ashore. Since the ferry will stay there for a few hours, Mustafa Kemal does not refuse this call from his heart.
Let’s hear the back story from him:
“We got off the ferry and went ashore. Passing through the people who looked at me with love and longing, we came to a square in the Turkish neighborhood with a small mansion in the middle of it with a garden. The prominent people of that place were waiting for us in that mansion.
While I was talking about the sweet hopes that emerged with the declaration of the Constitutional Monarchy, I saw people gathered outside. It was necessary to go out and greet them and make them happy. I left. I was warmly welcomed. I also spoke from my heart. This was a very exciting match.
I looked for a moment and saw a Greek officer coming from afar. I understood from the man’s attitude that he came to silence me in order to disperse the people. I couldn’t bring myself to remain silent with his words. My speech had come to an end. By the time he approached, I had finished my speech, greeted the people and withdrew.
“I noticed while he was withdrawing, the little guy was sadly surprised because he didn’t have the opportunity to show up for himself.”
Source: 20 Memories from Atatürk, Mehmet Ali Ağakay, Turkish Language Association Publications
