Members of the Representative Committee are in Kayseri on their way to Ankara. (20.12.1919)
In the photo: Right to left; Ahmet Rüstem Bey, Mazhar Müfit Kansu, Mustafa Kemal, H. Rauf Orbay, Adjutant Muzaffer Kılıç and Hakkı Behiç Beyiç. |
Photo source: Atatürk, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture Publications, Prepared by; Mehmet Özel (Fine Arts General Manager), Page: 64 |
Members of the Representative Committee are in Kayseri on their way to Ankara. (December 20, 1919)
THE CHILD WHO MOVED MUSTAFA KEMAL
Mustafa Kemal, who started the National Struggle in Anatolia, decided to bring the Anatolian and Rumelian Defense of Rights Association Committee to Ankara after the Sivas Congress. They were greeted with great enthusiasm in Kayseri towards the evening on a cold winter day (December 19, 1919) with their friends. It was very emotional for a child to read a heroic poem to Mustafa Kemal at this reception.
Ali Sergeant, Commander of Mustafa Kemal Pasha, describes that day as follows in his memoirs;
"The people of Kayseri welcomed Atatürk with a great show. The Governor of Kayseri greeted the convoy in an English car, far from Kayseri. This situation did not go unnoticed by Atatürk, they entered Kayseri without taking the governor in his car. Atatürk gave a short and exciting speech to the people. The people were enthused, and we were all in tears when a primary school boy answered Atatürk's speech.
Mini mini boy:
"We will not return even if there is blood or life, We will succeed in this work for the sake of Allah with the blood of our ancestors in our veins".
When Atatürk finished his words with his poem, they bent down and kissed the child and said in a voice that the public could hear: "We started this work with the help of Allah. I hope we will save our country and entrust it to you, the youth of tomorrow." they had ordered.
The voices and applause of the people of Kayseri, "Live ... Exist!..." pleased us all, just like Atatürk. Kayseri was ready for war".
Source: A A M Atatürk’te Çocuk Sevgisi, Cemil Sönmez, 2004 Yılı. ISBN: 975-16-1746-4, Sayfa: 14-15