Religious and National Values in the Turkish National Anthem, which Make the Turkish Nation Strong

Abstract

The National Anthem was written and accepted in 1921, before the Independence War was won and the Republic was declared. It’s author Mehmet Akif participated in the National Struggle with all his soul and self, sharing the same feelings and beliefs with those who actually fought at the front lines. So the National Anthem is the most realistic epic of the years of the National Struggle. Akif just translated the feelings and beliefs of the Turkish Nation during the independence struggle.War of Independence was a life/death struggle to repel the indecent attacks of the imperialist powers against the last homeland of Ottoman Empire. In such moments of destiny; values such as religion, faith, homeland, nation, flag, freedom and independence are more realized and death is risked for these values. The supreme side of the "National Anthem" is that Akif puts by his deep cultural background and sentiment, his nation’s sufferings and common values into verses such as "Religion", "Allah/Right", "Faith", "Homeland", "Nation", "Flag", "Liberty", "Independence"… In the study; The Concepts in the National Anthem, that reflect the religious beliefs and national notions of our army and our nation during the years of the Independence War will be examined.