729th Commemoration of Ertuğrul Gazi and the Söğüt Festivals

H.E. President Abdullah Gül’s Letter to Governor of Bilecik on the occasion of the 729th Commemoration of Ertuğrul Gazi and the Söğüt Festivals.

“I would like to offer my thanks to you for your invitation to the Söğüt Festivals.

Bringing the Kayı tribe under his command to Söğüt and leading to the foundation of a great empire that endured for six hundred years, Ertuğrul Gazi was a model for other statesmen with his audacity, sagacity and far-sightedness.

As for Osman Gazi, he laid the foundations of the Ottoman Empire which made its mark on world history and culture by adopting his father’s principles, ideas and understanding of fair governance.

The very tenets and philosophy shaped in Söğüt represent the lion’s share in the adoption the administration system that enabled different religions, languages, ethnicities and cultures to live side by side in tolerance and peace for centuries on this soil.

Ertuğrul Gazi, in the foundation of whose philosophicalindulgence was dominant, and other leaders following in his footsteps played crucial roles in creating a strong Turkey that is today appreciated tremendously by the whole world.

To understand how a small seigniory settling down in Söğüt turned into a great empire, we should know about our history and learn the ideas and philosophies of our ancestors who bequeathed to us a deeply rooted heritage.

I believe that the Commemoration Ceremonies of Ertuğrul Gazi held on the soil from which the Ottoman Empire emerged are of great importance in this respect and that such activities can demonstrate best the basic values constituting our unity and solidarity to our youth.

Hoping that these activities during which our national and moral values are experienced will be celebrated with the same enthusiasm in the future, I remember Ertuğrul Gazi on the anniversary of his death with gratitude and respect and send my good wishes to all my fellow citizens.”