On November 10, 100 Thousand Hearts United on Istanbul's Metros and Trams

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Publish Date

13.11.2023
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On November 10, 100 Thousand Hearts United on Istanbul's Metros and Trams

The founder of Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was commemorated on the 85th anniversary of his passing on Istanbul's metro and trams. In the areas where 85,000 people paid their respects last year, emotional scenes unfolded this year as over 100,000 Istanbul residents came together to remember the founding leader.

National Anthem sung by 116,746 people
At 09:05, a planning was made for all trains on the 18 lines operated by Metro Istanbul, a subsidiary of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), to stop at the platforms on the 216 stations. With announcements made at stations and on vehicles, a one-minute moment of silence was observed with the participation of a total of 116,746 people on metro and tram vehicles. Following this, the National Anthem was performed.

Notes to Atatürk from Istanbulites at Kozyatağı Station
The M8 Bostancı-Dudullu/Parseller Metro Line, opened in early 2023, hosts several permanent artworks. One notable piece is located at Kozyatağı Station on the line, featuring Atatürk depicted inside a train in a three-dimensional work titled "Eyes of the Republic" by the artist Murat Daşkın. This artwork has become a popular spot for passengers who frequently take photos and visit the station specifically to see it.
Recognizing the special interest shown by Metro Istanbul passengers, the surroundings of this artwork were transformed into a dedicated memorial area for November 10. An area adorned with Atatürk flowers was set up, featuring a heart-shaped panel where passengers could write notes to Atatürk.
At 09:05 in the special memorial area at Kozyatağı Station, a ceremony for a moment of silence and laying wreaths took place with the participation of the top management and employees of Metro Istanbul. Passengers attending the ceremony also showed significant interest in the created panel.