Edirne, one of Turkey’s historically richest and beautiful cities, has witnessed significant events throughout its past. Among these, the occupation period brought immense suffering to the city, leaving a deep mark on its history. However, Edirne also experienced joyful moments, none more significant than its liberation from Greek occupation on November 25, 1922.
Mr. GÜNGÖR MAZLUM, one of the most reputable personalities of Edirne and a prominent writer as well describes the day Edirne regained its independence in below article:
“The Liberation of Edirne (November 25, 1922)”
Şakir Kesebir, who was appointed as the governor of Edirne, swiftly took control of the entire Thrace region. Among the handover ceremonies, the one in Edirne was the most grand and emotional. On the morning of Wednesday, November 23, 1922, Şakir Kesebir and a Turkish delegation departed from Sirkeci by train, reaching Babaeski after an 18-hour journey. That night, 200 officials and guests joined by locals, bringing the number to about 400, stayed in private homes.
The following morning, arrangements were made for transportation to Edirne. Governor Şakir Kesebir allocated a small truck, gifted by the residents of Bakırköy, to journalists. The rest of the delegation proceeded with 170 carriages collected from the surrounding areas.
By Friday morning, the people of Edirne were ecstatic. Villagers and city residents alike rushed to the Istanbul road to greet the incoming Turkish delegation and troops. Streets were adorned with flags, floral arches, and symbols of victory.
Leading the procession into the city were Governor Şakir Kesebir and parliament members Şeref and Faik Bey from Edirne, along with others. They were met with showers of flowers and confetti as cheers of “Long live!” filled the air. Many wept with joy, some even kneeling to kiss the feet of Turkish soldiers. The sound of prayers and the call to prayer from Selimiye Mosque’s minarets echoed through the city.
At the government building’s main entrance, two girls dressed in white welcomed the governor. One presented bread and salt, saying, “This is a tradition, but if it were up to me, I would offer sugar instead to the heralds of our national revolution.” The other girl, holding scissors, smiled and said, “I offer you not the key to Edirne’s fortress, but the intellectual weapon of Turkish women, who paved the way for our national victory.”
Governor Şakir Kesebir cut the ceremonial ribbon and entered the courtyard. French soldiers stood at attention as the delegation was greeted by another young girl. She presented a richly embroidered bundle containing the Turkish flag, saying, “We offer you our cherished national flag, which we have longed to carry over our heads. Please brighten Edirne’s skies, clouded with sorrow for two and a half years, with our beloved crescent moon.”
The flag was raised, marking the end of the ceremony and the liberation of Edirne.”
We thank dear Güngör Mazlum for sharing with us this most valuable article.
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