On Sunday, May 19, 2024, the Atatürk Society UK (ASUK) celebrated the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day with great enthusiasm and then conducted its Ordinary General Assembly.
The May 19th program prepared by the ASUK youth started with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem. Following this, 14-year-old Derin Sarıoğlu, who has been taking piano lessons since the age of 4, played both Turkish and international pieces, which were highly appreciated.
Next, Eray Logo, the founder of the Logo Dance Academy, gave a speech on behalf of the youth. Afterward, Eray Logo and Ayşe Serçin performed the waltz and zeybek dance that Atatürk danced at a ball given in his honour by the Bursa Municipality on February 2, 1938. Emotional moments were experienced in the hall when a short speech by Atatürk was played during the music interlude.
During the AGM, Jale Özer, the President, addressed the members, emphasizing the importance of youth embodying Atatürkist principles. She highlighted the historical significance of May 19, 1919, as the beginning of Turkey’s independence struggle under Atatürk’s leadership.
Özer expressed concern over the current state of education in Turkey, noting the proliferation of religious schools and the diminishing focus on Atatürk’s reforms in the curriculum. She cited studies by Prof. Dr. Kaya Özgen and Prof. Dr. Esergül Balcı, which indicate an alarming increase in religious schools and the retreat of the state from secular education.
The association has been actively supporting educational projects to foster free-thinking, conscientious, and enlightened youth. Özer thanked the board members and supporters for their contributions. The assembly concluded with a reaffirmation of the association’s commitment to Atatürk’s principles and the continued struggle against anti-secular policies.
The new executive board was elected, aiming to continue promoting Atatürkist values and education among Turkish youth in the UK.
The new executive board is amde up of President: Jale Özer Swailes, Vice President &Press Officer: Dr. Ali Tekin Atalar, Secretary: Ali Akpınar, Treasurer: Sevda Bloom, Public Relations and Events Officer: Füsun Kent, Education and Project Officer: Yılmaz Özdemir, Youth &Culture and Arts Officer: Eray Logo.
As well as members taking on roles such as back up members: Refik Özsen, Gülay Has Deniz the Audit Committee: Fuat Karakaş, Ahmet Sapaz, Erol Başarık Honor and Disciplinary Committee: Sevda Velidedeoğlu, Serpil Erdemgil, Nilgün Ergök, Serdar Yıldızhan, Ece Clarke Science and Advisory Committee: Prof. Dr. Belma Ötüş Baskett, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ertan Sarıdoğan, Türker Ertürk, Dr. Mustafa Ataç and Foreign Press Desk: Betül Nelson.
