This article is not intended to open a debate on folklore or to blindly oppose tourism activities. The main objective is; “Welcome back, Mustafa Kemal Pasha” to refresh the memory of what his work is and, more importantly, what it is not.
This work is not a means of entertainment. Dedicated to the person of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it is the most concrete expression on the stage of the historical unity of destiny stretching from Azerbaijan to Anatolia. For this reason, it is not an ordinary work that can be easily attached to any place, any time and any reason. “welcome” as background music.
Living Witness of History
On October 6, 1924, during Atatürk's arrival in Kars, this welcome performed at the Kars Train Station was born at the same time with history. It is not a ritual with an afterthought meaning, but a national cry that carries meaning in its soul. It is also the first work written and performed in Anatolia in the name of Atatürk. In its structure, it is more of an anthem than a folk song; it is a collective declaration of will written by the people, sung by the people and performed by the people.
This scene, which is re-enacted every year on October 6 at Kars Train Station, is not an ordinary ceremony. It is a symbol of the unity of emotions stretching from Azerbaijan to Anatolia. Therefore, its place, time and meaning can never be separated from each other.
Warning against cultural erosion
However, in recent years we have witnessed a clear erosion of this value. The work is one of the most popular songs sung by almost every visitor to Kars. “welcome and goodbye” motif. The use of this work on the grounds of revitalizing tourism or for commercial delegations is an irreparable cultural shallowing. The fact that state officials witnessed this situation does not legitimize this misuse.
It is necessary to ask:
- Can a national address dedicated to Atatürk be the background music of a protocol routine?
- Is this a prop to sell three or five geese, a few wheels of gruyere or some honey; to distract tourists; to welcome every politician or delegation that gets off the plane?
This approach is an unwitting falsification of history. “Welcome back, Mustafa Kemal Pasha” is now a cultural heritage. Instead of being complicit in this wrongdoing, state authorities should show sensitivity to ensure that the work is performed only on October 6 and national holidays. Because this is not a show, it is a symbol.
Trust and Responsibility
The people of Kars are the original owners of this heritage. If silence is kept, this work may even be stolen at the opening of a shopping mall tomorrow; history will be sacrificed to the language of marketing. To understand the spirit of this patriotic stance and historical loyalty, it is necessary to recall the unshakable verses of the work:
WELCOME BACK MUSTAFA KEMAL PASHA
Long live your soldier, your nation, your flag!
Arsh arsh arsh, forward forward...
March forward, march forward; the Turkish soldier does not turn back!
Right to left, left to right; take your flag and raise it over the enemy...
At the front, bayonets shine like mirrors,
Azeri Turks are waiting with their flag out.
As emphasized in these lines, there are relics in life that exist not only to be exhibited but also to be protected. “Welcome back, Mustafa Kemal Pasha” is one of the most important of those sacred relics. It is entrusted first to the people of Kars and then to the whole nation.
And it should not be forgotten that trust is not given to those who do not appreciate it.