Life Came to a Standstill in Beşiktaş at 9:05

At 9:05 a.m., as every year on 10 November, life came to a standstill across Türkiye as citizens paused in collective remembrance of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In Beşiktaş, this moment of national unity was accompanied by a commemorative program organized by Beşiktaş Municipality to mark the 87th anniversary of Atatürk’s passing.

The annual Commemoration March began at Akaretler—home to the historic Atatürk House Museum—and concluded at Dolmabahçe Palace, where Atatürk took his final breath. Residents of Beşiktaş, along with many visitors, joined the march in a solemn display of respect and gratitude.

As part of the commemorative program, Atatürk’s voice resonated through the tree-lined Dolmabahçe Avenue (Ağaçlı Yol), creating a deeply moving atmosphere that underscored the significance of the day.

Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Rasim Şişman, who led the march, stated:

“On the 87th anniversary of his passing, we marched from the Atatürk House Museum in Akaretler to Dolmabahçe Palace to honor the founder of our Republic, our Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. We then paid our respects at the official ceremony held in Room 71 of Dolmabahçe Palace. We will forever uphold his principles and values, and remain steadfast in safeguarding his legacy.”

The day’s events once again demonstrated the enduring reverence for Atatürk in Beşiktaş, a district that holds a symbolic place in the nation’s collective memory.