The Independence Medal, awarded by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT) in 1924 to the city of Samsun—one of the symbolic cities of the Turkish War of Independence—was officially presented in a ceremony held 101 years later. During the event held in the GNAT Honor Hall, the medal was handed over to Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı in recognition of the city's heroism during the National Struggle.

The Ceremony at the GNAT

The ceremony was attended by GNAT Speaker Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş, GNAT Deputy Speaker Tekin Bingöl, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı, AK Party Samsun MPs Dr. Mehmet Muş, Ersan Aksu, Orhan Kırcalı, Çiğdem Karaaslan; CHP Samsun MP Murat Çan; MHP Samsun MP İlyas Topsakal; Yeni Yol Party MP Mehmet Karaman; Rector of Ondokuz Mayıs University Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın; Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz; Chief Advisor to the President on Security and Foreign Policy Akif Çağatay Kılıç; members of the provincial protocol; families of martyrs; veterans; and many other guests.

Kurtulmuş: “The Independence Medal Is a Symbol of Gratitude”

In his speech, GNAT Speaker Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş stated:

“Today, we are witnessing a historic ceremony with profound meaning. The Independence Medal, granted to Samsun by the GNAT 101 years ago, is officially being presented to the city today. This is a historic event. Samsun is not merely a city; it is a symbol of an idea, a struggle, and the nation’s will to exist.

The National Struggle, initiated by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s arrival in Samsun, was not only an armed resistance but also a concrete expression of our nation's desire for independence. The people of Samsun made great sacrifices during this struggle. Notably, the Guild of Boatmen’s covert transport of ammunition from Istanbul to Anatolia is a prime example of bravery and patriotism.

In 1924, a decree bearing the signature of Atatürk awarded Samsun the Independence Medal. However, for various reasons, the medal was never delivered to the city. Today, we are correcting this historical shortcoming. I remember with mercy, gratitude, and respect all the heroes of our War of Independence, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. May this medal be a blessing for Samsun and its people.”

Güler: “Each Chest of Ammunition Carried Our Nation’s Future”

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler said:

“It is a great honor to be here today. Samsun is one of the cities where the spirit of independence ignited and spread across Anatolia. Its people have remained loyal to their state and nation for centuries, always standing at the forefront when needed.

The Guild of Boatmen’s transport of weapons and ammunition from Istanbul to Anatolia was an act of extraordinary courage and effort. Every chest that landed ashore carried the hopes of a nation; every stroke of the oar represented the will of this noble nation.

In 1924, our Parliament crowned the heroism of the people of Samsun with the Independence Medal. Though delayed, today we have the pride of delivering this long-overdue but deeply meaningful honor. I thank everyone who contributed to making this meaningful ceremony possible.”

Tavlı: “This Medal is a Symbol of the Spirit of May 19”

Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı said:

“Samsun, honored by Atatürk’s words, ‘When I saw Samsun and its people, I was once again strongly convinced that all my ideas and decisions for the country and the nation could be realized,’ has now received the Independence Medal from our Veteran Parliament. This is a symbol of the everlasting spirit of May 19 and independence.”

MPs Deliver a Unified Message: “A Day of Pride and Gratitude”

• Mehmet Muş (AK Party MP): “Today is a meaningful day for Samsun. Congratulations on receiving our Independence Medal. The city’s loyalty has been formally recognized with this medal.”

• Çiğdem Karaaslan (AK Party MP): “Samsun is a city of great beginnings. I remember with mercy the many unnamed heroes such as the Guild of Boatmen, who rushed to the frontlines with unwavering faith.”

• Ersan Aksu (AK Party MP): “Today is historic for Samsun. After 101 years, the wait is finally over. Congratulations on the Independence Medal.”

• Orhan Kırcalı (AK Party MP): “The 101-year longing has ended today. This well-deserved honor makes us all proud.”

• Murat Çan (CHP MP): “As a native of Samsun, I say with pride that the honor we’ve felt for 106 years has now been crowned with this medal.”

• Mehmet Karaman (Yeni Yol Party MP): “Congratulations to Samsun. I hope this medal marks a new chapter of prosperity for the city.”

Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın: “We Are Witnessing History”

OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, also among the ceremony’s invitees, said:

“Today, we are witnessing not just the presentation of a medal but a glorious page in history. Beyond being the city where Atatürk started the War of Independence, Samsun is etched in memory for the resilience and sacrifices of its people. This Independence Medal, awarded after 101 years, is a symbol of our connection to the past and our respect for history. As a university rooted in this city where the foundations of the Republic were laid, we are honored to carry this legacy. I sincerely thank all who made this historic day possible.”

Ceremony Details

The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by a Qur’an recitation and prayer. After the speeches, GNAT Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş and Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler formally presented the Independence Medal and Decree to Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı.

The Heroism of the Guild of Boatmen

The foundation for awarding the medal was laid during the early days of the War of Independence in 1919. The Guild of Boatmen in Samsun played a critical role by secretly transporting ammunition from Istanbul to Anatolia, becoming one of the many unsung heroes of the struggle.

Awarded in 1924, Delivered in 2025

Although the bold actions of Samsun’s citizens led the Parliament to grant the city an Independence Medal on February 11, 1924, the medal and its decree were never physically delivered due to various reasons. According to archival records, they were sent to the Ministry of National Defense on April 14, 1924, but the process remained incomplete until now. Following decades of research and administrative procedures, the medal was finally delivered to Samsun’s Governorship 101 years later in a symbolic presentation.

Samsun’s Legacy of Heroism Crowned

This meaningful event once again highlights Samsun’s pioneering role in the National Struggle and adds an official mark of honor to the city’s heroic legacy.