“We are eternally grateful to Atatürk”
Edited by Anna Popper
On 29 October 2024, the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Budapest commemorated the 101st anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye with a concert by the renowned Turkish Presidential Symphony Orchestra.
The event was graciously hosted by Her Excellency Ms. Gülşen Karanis Ekşioğlu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Hungary, and Mr. Ekrem Ekşioğlu.
The concert took place at the prestigious Franz Liszt Academy of Music and honoured Republic Day, which is observed annually on 29 October, a pivotal day in the history of modern Türkiye.
The celebration was attended by distinguished invitees, including high-ranking Hungarian officials, members of the National Assembly, members of the diplomatic corps, and leaders from Hungary’s cultural, academic, and business sectors, Turkish nationals living in Hungary, as well as other esteemed guests and friends of Türkiye. The event was particularly honoured by the presence of Hungarian Minister of Defence, Mr. Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, as the Guest of Honour.
The year 2024 has been designated as the Turkish-Hungarian Cultural Year, commemorating both the centenary of the Republic of Türkiye and the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hungary and Türkiye. This milestone year has featured over 100 cultural events, celebrating the rich heritage of both nations and further strengthening their bonds of friendship and strategic partnership.
A highlight of these year-long festivities was the solemn concert of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra in the Liszt Academy in Budapest.
The evening commenced with the national anthems of Türkiye and Hungary, masterfully performed by the Presidential Symphony Orchestra. Their music filled the iconic Hall of the Music Academy, which was exquisitely decorated for the occasion with Turkish symbols and flags, white and red flowers throughout, and vibrant red lighting, all adding to a festive atmosphere.
After the musical tribute, H.E. Ms. Gülşen Karanis Ekşioğlu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Hungary, delivered an inspiring speech reflecting on the significance of the occasion:
“Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the special performance of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra here in Budapest on the occasion of the 101st anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye!
Today we celebrate the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye following a long and costly liberation war under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. ‘We are eternally grateful to Atatürk, his comrades in arms and all those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom and dignity of the Turkish nation.’ – A quote from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official message.
Last year, however, was the year of multiple celebrations: the centenary of the Turkish Republic, the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Hungary along with many other special occasions. Then, in December, we received President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan here in Budapest and raised our relations to the level of an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’. On the same day, we kicked-off the 2024 Turkish-Hungarian Cultural Year with the ambitious aim of 100 events for the 100th anniversary. And what a great journey it has been!
We organised many cultural, artistic and culinary events along with festivals, conferences and exhibitions in 14 different cities in Hungary. Our events reached around 1 million people in total. So, every tenth Hungarian people had the chance to experience the Cultural Year in one way or another. However, we reserved the gem in our year-long program for tonight! Because today is our National Day, and tonight’s performance is indeed our 100th event in the Cultural Year Program.
Let me thank the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Yunus Emre Institute for dispatching the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, which is our nation’s pride with its almost 200-year history and artistic achievements. And our special thanks go to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Hungary’s MOL Group. Their collaboration and strong support made tonight’s performance possible. Let me also congratulate them for signing a memorandum of understanding earlier this month. This is yet another reflection of the strategic partnership between our two countries, particularly in the field of energy.
Dear Friends of Türkiye,
It is true that we have dedicated our time, energy and resources to the Cultural Year. Yet, it has been a great year for Turkish-Hungarian relations all the same. We appreciate Hungary’s continued support for Türkiye’s EU accession process during the EU Council Presidency. This is one of the reasons why President Erdoğan is scheduled to attend the European Political Community Summit here in Budapest on 7 November 2024.
Based on the figures of the first nine months, our trade volume has increased by more than 10% and we are set to have a new trade record by the end of the year. New Turkish companies arrived in Hungary and new contracts were signed.
As the two NATO allies and strategic partners, we attach special importance to our military cooperation and defence industry collaboration. We recently had a series of military contacts and exchanged high-level visits. Our companies have already upped their game by establishing a joint venture for the co-production of ‘Gidran’ military vehicles.
Of course, reaching the 100th event in the Cultural Year tonight is a big milestone. Yet, we have no intention to conclude the year earlier than the calendar.
In just two days, we are going to launch an exhibition in Budapest City Hall on the history of the Turkish diplomatic representation in Hungary from the times of the Ottoman Empire to the Republic.It will be our way of expressing our gratitude to the members of the Turkish foreign service, who have ever served in this brotherly nation over the last 150 years or so.
Then we will have a splendid Opera Murat IV by Okan Demiris in the Hungarian Opera, as well as a recital by two renowned Turkish musicians.
The closing ceremony of the Cultural Year will be in Ankara on 12 December.
This year we have achieved a lot to promote Turkish culture, art and gastronomy. Together with our Hungarian friends, we remembered our past connections and historic encounters while cherishing our joint cultural heritage. Next year we will have a different thematic focus and a more forward-looking approach. In the 2025 Turkish-Hungarian Year of Science and Innovation, we will bring together our start-ups, defence industry companies, universities and research communities to jointly shape our future.
Together with Hungary, whom we consider our distant relative, close neighbour and dependable partner, we will continue to work for the benefit of our nations. Thank you again for being with us tonight.”
“Long live the Turkish-Hungarian friendship!”
In his remarks as the guest of honour, Minister of Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky expressed his honour to represent the Hungarian Government and extended his sincere congratulations on Türkiye’s 101st Republic Day.
Reflecting on the historic Treaty of Friendship signed in 1924, he quoted its words: “Between the Kingdom of Hungary and the Republic of Türkiye, as well as between the citizens of the two states, there will be unbroken peace and sincere, permanent friendship.” He emphasized that this treaty, concluded 100 years ago in challenging times, continues to symbolise the enduring and unbreakable bond between the two nations.
He also acknowledged Hungary’s deep respect for Türkiye’s struggle for independence under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose words: “A nation that knows and appreciates the value of direct sovereign will crush all possible threats against this sacred sovereignty” continue to resonate strongly with both nations.
The Minister underscored that Türkiye is more than a just an ally for Hungary; it is a valued partner. Their bond has grown in recent years through a strategic alliance, highlighted by record-high trade, collaborative defence projects such as the Gidrán combat vehicle, and the upcoming Hungarian-Turkish Year of Science and Innovation in 2025.
He commended Türkiye’s vital role in European energy security, regional stability, and migration management – priorities that Hungary, assuming currently the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, fully supports. Türkiye is a key partner of the European Union in these areas, and its efforts and contributions deserve recognition.
In closing, the Guest of Honour expressed his heartfelt wish: “May we continue to enjoy undisturbed peace and enduring friendship between Hungary and the Republic of Türkiye, and between our citizens, for the coming century!”
Presidential Symphony Orchestra Concert – Celebrating the Majesty and Power of Music
The official program continued with a concert by the Presidential Symphony Orchestra in the Grand Hall of the Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. Founded in 1875 by the legendary Hungarian composer and pianist Ferenc (Franz) Liszt, the Academy remains one of the world’s foremost music institutions, producing countless renowned musicians and attracting students from all over the world, thus upholding the legacy of its illustrious founder and distinguished alumni and artists.
The Turkish Presidential Symphony Orchestra, which has earned a stellar reputation in its nearly 200-year history, was originally founded in Istanbul and relocated to Ankara in 1924 on the order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
The musicians presented a captivating program featuring works by Turkish and Hungarian composers under the baton of Hungarian conductor Maestro Dániel Erdélyi. The concert began with the Anatolian Candle Dance Ballet Suite by Ferit Tüzün, followed by Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by the acclaimed Turkish pianist Gökhan Aybulus. It continued with Dances of Galánta by Zoltán Kodály and Dance Rhapsody by Ulvi Cemal Erkin. The performance received enthusiastic rounds of applause, culminating in a standing ovation from the audience.
Following the concert, guests gathered in the elegant first-floor lobby of the Music Academy for a lavish reception. This splendid setting provided a wonderful opportunity for attendees to mingle and extend their congratulations to the performers, to the Ambassador H.E. Ms. Gülşen Karanis Ekşioğlu and her team of organisers for an unforgettable evening and an exceptional experience.
Source: Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Budapest
Photos by the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Budapest, and DPA
