Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day has been celebrated at Baku State University. It is an annual Turkish national holiday celebrated on May 19 to commemorate the start of the Turkish War of Independence. May 19, 1919 is the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, then Mustafa Kemal, who would become independent Turkey's first president, landed on the main peninsula of Turkey, to begin leadership of the liberation effort.

After moment of silence for the memory of two national leaders Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Heydar Aliyev national anthems of Azerbaijan and Turkey have been sounded.

Rector of BSU, academician Abel Maharramov called this day a great historical occasion, spoke about the life of Atatürk, his role in the life of Turkey. He noted: "We will always be proud of two outstanding public figures and saviors of their countries". Abel Maharramov spoke also about the Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, their development on the basis of friendship and brotherhood, expressed his unshakable belief in their further development.

Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Hulusi Kilic told about his strong faith in youth. The diplomat said : “Turkey occupies 17 th place in the world in the economic development and is one of the most influential sate on the world political arena”.

The event has been ended with a big festive concert.

Press and Information Office, BSU, 19 May 2011.