A conference was organized by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Turkish Language and Literature, to mark the 105th anniversary of the adoption of the National Anthem. The conference, titled "The Adoption of the National Anthem and Messages from Independence to the Future," took place on March 12, 2026, at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Ahi Evran Conference Hall, with the participation of Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şimşek, academic and administrative staff, and students.

Prof. Dr. Nadir İlhan, who took part as a speaker at the conference, delivered a presentation addressing the conditions of the period in which Mehmet Akif Ersoy wrote the National Anthem. Stating that the National Anthem is a crucial work describing the Turkish nation's love for independence, unwavering faith, and devotion to the homeland, İlhan mentioned that after finishing the anthem, Mehmet Akif Ersoy prayed, "May Allah never again make this nation write a National Anthem." Noting that Mehmet Akif Ersoy served as the voice of the Turkish nation's emotions in the National Anthem, Prof. Dr. Nadir İlhan added that the anthem conveys vital messages to our nation regarding never giving up the struggle, unity and togetherness, and the importance of independence.



At the end of the conference, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şimşek presented a certificate of appreciation to Prof. Dr. Nadir İlhan for his contributions to the event. The conference concluded following a commemorative group photo.