While preparing to write an article about the COP 28 event, I felt compelled to put everything aside and write this piece because of the events that transpired last night at the Super Cup, which cast a dark shadow over Turkish football but prompted the necessary reaction for the sake of the country’s honor. Let this message reach whomever it may be addressed, and let everyone know: Atatürk is our red line.
Last night, the single-leg final match between 2022-23 league champion Galatasaray and Turkish Cup winner Fenerbahçe, scheduled for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was canceled because Saudi authorities refused to allow Atatürk banners and t-shirts, prompting both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe to protest by refusing to attend the stadium.
The Saudi authorities’ rudeness not only prevented the image of Atatürk, the country’s founder, from entering the stadium. They also continued by turning up the music on the loudspeakers to silence the spectators who were singing the National Anthem in protest.
There’s no need for further explanation on this subject.
Atatürk’s ultimatum
There’s much to be said about Saudi Arabs. I won’t belabor the point in this article. I simply want to point out this: We all know that these behavioral problems have persisted since the Ottoman Empire. This problematic group’s behavioral problems and lack of culture continued even after the Ottoman Empire collapsed and the modern and secular Republic of Turkey was established. Even during Atatürk’s time, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was… We know that he couldn’t remain indifferent to the arbitrary relocation of Muhammad’s tomb, warning the Saudis against it. He even went so far as to issue a harsh ultimatum: “If you do such a thing, I will gather my armies and come there.” (See: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1cw7N_rkaq/?igsh=cnF0bHg5OHNwcGs0 ).
For some reason, while the Saudis should be emulating the secular and modern Republic of Turkey and improving themselves, we are trying to emulate them. We know full well that the leaders of this backward society, which has nothing but oil wealth and hasn’t been able to improve itself despite all its resources, have committed numerous lies, betrayals, and disrespects towards us throughout history. The most recent was the murder and dismemberment of a journalist in the Levent district of Istanbul, a central part of the city, in 2018. The Saudi prince who ordered this massacre is turning on the money spigots and trying to justify his actions in every possible way. Government officials and private sector representatives from many different countries, who have sold their souls, are also submitting to this system.
The Saudis are hitting us hard
While the Saudi prince should be tried and punished according to Turkish law for his murder, our authorities are organizing the most popular event for the Turkish public, a Super Cup match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, the clubs with the largest fan base in Turkey, in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on the centennial of the Republic.
And the final round took place last night. While the Turkish public has already heavily criticized and shown sensitivity to the issue, Saudi officials are now hitting us hard.
Well done to both our teams!
So what? Atatürk’s official ceremony is not held in a stadium. Galatasaray, who wanted to warm up wearing Atatürk t-shirts and play in their 100th Anniversary jerseys bearing Atatürk’s signature, and Fenerbahçe, who wanted to play in jerseys bearing Atatürk’s image, were denied permission (video of fans barred from entering the stadium wearing Atatürk jerseys: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1ciW37Njia/?igsh=MXhqMWZpcjZnNXlodA%3D%3D ).
I’m addressing the Saudis here: Who are you to not allow the image of our country’s founder into the stadium?
Both teams rightfully protested and refused to enter the stadium. I extend my gratitude and congratulations to both Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek and Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç, as well as their management team for their stance. Well done!
We have shown the world that money can’t buy everything. Every sane citizen of the Republic of Turkey shares similar sentiments. Here’s an example: Let’s watch the opinions of fans who traveled miles to the stadium but couldn’t watch the match: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1cmo0MtdCB/?igsh=MWxuZHdtdjc1d2U0ZA%3D%3D
I repeat, Atatürk is our red line.
No one can mess with the dynamics of this country.
I think South Korean journalist Hanshin Lee summarized this incident best (see: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1cydl9rDXP/?igsh=MTJrMGNvb3Zpa3JueA%3D%3D ):
“The Saudis thought they could defeat a man who had never been defeated. Atatürk’s legacy lives on in his people.
I’m not Turkish, but I was proud of everyone today.
This situation goes beyond the Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray rivalry.”
We will all see what happens next. We will all see how a federation that has lost all its credibility with this incident will act, and how the government will manage the process.
But one thing I know: those who attempt to manipulate the dynamics of this country will ultimately fall victim. This includes not only the traitors within us, but also foreign powers.
Tag: education
