Mersin, 17 March 1923

Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha came to Mersin on 17 March 1923 after Adana. He was also accompanied by his wife, Latife Hanım, the deputies, the Chief Aide, the Commander of the Guards Corps, and journalists. This was his first visit to Mersin.

Here, too, the people welcomed him with enthusiastic displays of love. An interesting event that took place during the welcoming ceremony made Gazi very emotional.

In the welcoming ceremony, two little children, one girl and the other boy, succeeded in confronting Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha by breaking through the protocol surrounding him. He was very touched by this. He loved children and showed closeness to them.

Source:  A A M Atatürk’te Çocuk Sevgisi, Cemil Sönmez, 2004 Yılı, ISBN: 975-16-1746-4. Sayfa: 63