The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Orchestras Directorate organized a historical concert to commemorate the 104th anniversary of the adoption of the National Anthem. In the concert titled “Our National Anthem in the 104th Anniversary of its Adoption” held at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Cemal Reşit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall, 1923 different works that participated in the composition competition held for the National Anthem in 11 were performed. In this special event, which was projected by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Orchestras, the Atatürk Choir, conducted by Conductor Tolga Gülen, presented an unforgettable musical feast to the audience.
MESSAGE FROM IMM PRESIDENT EKREM İMAMOĞLU WAS READ
The opening of the concert titled “Our National Anthem in the 104th Year of Its Acceptance” began with a moment of silence in memory of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for independence. Then, the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Ekrem İmamoğlu's message was read. İmamoğlu said in his message, “The National Anthem is not just a poem or a composition, it is one of the most powerful symbols that reflects the common spirit of our nation in its most difficult times. This anthem, written 104 years ago, continues to inspire us all today and imposes an important responsibility on us. In the second century of our Republic, we will continue to carry this heritage even further with science, art and culture.”
The opening speech of the program was made by Ozan Bircan, Director of Orchestras at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Department of Culture. Emphasizing that the struggle for independence had not only a military but also a cultural and artistic dimension, Bircan said, “Our history is full of struggles that have become examples and hopes for the entire world and glorious victories won as a result of these struggles. Behind these victories lies the determination of our nation, brewed with courage and blended with knowledge and experience. Today, we are all experiencing the artistic reflection of this determination here.”
LISTENERS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE ERA
At the concert, the Atatürk Choir, conducted by Tolga Gülen, performed the pieces in accordance with their original notes. At the concert, music writer and researcher Ersin Antep shared important information about the composition process of the National Anthem; he explained the works of the composers participating in the competition in their historical contexts, taking the audience into the atmosphere of the period.
There were discussions about which composition would be used to sing the poem “İstiklal Marşı”, written by Mehmet Akif Ersoy in 1921 and accepted on March 12, 1921, and a composition competition was organized by the Ministry of National Education in 1923. Of the compositions that participated in the competition, Ali Rıfat Çağatay’s 1930 arrangement, which was used as the first official composition until 1924, was presented with a contemporary interpretation at the concert. Osman Zeki Üngör’s composition, which is still used officially today, stood out as the work that shaped the musical identity of the march.
