Under the auspices of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and organized in collaboration with Ankara Social Sciences University, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Balıkesir University, Kastamonu University, and Afyon Kocatepe University, the "4 Cities 4 Places 4 Akif – From Captivity to Independence, From Independence to Future: Mehmet Akif Symposium" began with an opening program held on March 12, 2026, at the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Ankara Social Sciences University Rectorate. 

The symposium, which aims to address the historical and intellectual background of Mehmet Âkif Ersoy's worldview and the National Anthem on an academic platform, was organized as the first program of a multi-stage scientific event series, with contributions from different universities. 

The program began with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem. As part of the opening, a documentary about the "4 Cities 4 Places 4 Akif" Knowledge Feast held in 2025 was also screened. 

 The opening speech of the program was delivered by Dr. Gazi Doğan, the symposium's project coordinator. In his speech, Dr. Doğan emphasized the importance of examining the character of Mehmet Âkif Ersoy within the framework of foresight, fortitude, resilience, and captivity. 

As part of the program, students at Ankara Social Sciences University recited the National Anthem stanza by stanza; the sacred memory of Mehmet Âkif Ersoy was once again commemorated with the voices of youth. 

Speaking at the opening program, Prof. Dr. Musa Kazım Arıcan, the Rector of Ankara Social Sciences University, emphasized the importance of the cities and venues where the symposium was held in the history of the National Struggle and highlighted the responsibilities that universities have in Türkiye's new century. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Arıcan stated that the National Anthem is not just a national anthem but also a symbol of strong resistance against imperialism and the nation's will. 

Speaking at the program, Balıkesir University Vice Rector  Prof.Dr. Murat Doğdubay conveyed Yücel Oğurlu's greetings to the participants and highlighted Balıkesir's role in the National Struggle process. Prof.Dr. Doğdubay stated that the spirit of Kuva-yı Milliye, which took shape in Alaca Mescit, sprouted in the city and that Balıkesir was one of the centers where the first sparks of resistance against the occupation rose.

Our university was represented by our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, at the program. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı emphasized the importance of examining Mehmet Âkif Ersoy from different perspectives and stated that his intellectual world and legacy should be conveyed to younger generations in a multifaceted manner. Stating that they welcomed the project proposal, Kastamonu University's Prof.Dr.  Kaymakcı emphasized that Kastamonu has been an ancient Turkish homeland that has remained unoccupied since the 1071–1075 period. Kaymakcı also stated that in historical victories such as the Battle of Malazgirt, the Battle of Myriokephalon, and the Great Offensive, Kastamonu was one of the provinces that carried the flag to the forefront.

Recalling that Mehmet Âkif Ersoy visited Kastamonu twice, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı stated that he motivated the people with his speeches during these visits and that the impact he created was not limited to Anatolia but also resonated in different regions of the Islamic world. Stating that they raised the question "How do we teach Âkif?" in a presentation they made in 2021, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı said that the phrase "May God never let this nation write another Independence March" is included in primary, secondary, and high school textbooks, but they found that there is insufficient information about Âkif's personality and world of thought. At this point, he stated that the studies conducted by Ankara Social Sciences University made an important contribution. 

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı also touched upon value education, sharing a story about water, fire, and morality to emphasize the importance of moral values. Kaymakcı stated that, from the perspective of values and ethics, Mehmet Âkif Ersoy could be understood in a very different light. At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı thanked the project coordinator, Gazi Doğan, who contributed to the symposium's preparation, especially Musa Kazım Arıcan, and all those involved, and wished that the program would lead to beneficial outcomes. 

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Karakaş, Vice-Rector of Afyon Kocatepe University, emphasized in his speech the historical role of Afyonkarahisar, one of the symbolic cities of victory, during the National Struggle process, and highlighted that Mehmet Âkif Ersoy's world of ideas should be evaluated within this historical context. 

As part of the program, Naim Çoban, Deputy Secretary General of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, also delivered a greeting and thanked the institutions that contributed to organizing the symposium. 

Additionally, certificates of appreciation were presented to the students of Ankara Social Sciences University who recited the National Anthem during the opening program. Continuing the program, a conference was held by Prof. Dr. Münire Kevser Baş, Vice Rector of Ankara Social Sciences University and a member of the Higher Education Council. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Baş stated that Mehmet Âkif Ersoy was a powerful poet and thinker who expressed the nation's pain, resistance, and hopes, saying, "The reason we still commemorate Âkif today is that he carried the entire suffering of a civilization in his heart. 

In the evaluations conducted within the scope of the symposium, Mehmet Âkif Ersoy’s world of thought, the meaning of the National Anthem, and the intellectual background during the National Struggle process were addressed in a multifaceted manner, considering both historical and intellectual dimensions.

In the continuation of the symposium series, the intellectual world of Mehmet Âkif Ersoy will be addressed through sessions organized in various cities, covering different topics. In this context, scientific programs will be held under the titles "Days of Captivity in the Capital and Mehmet Âkif" at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University on April 9, 2026, "The Thot of Unity in Mehmet Âkif and the Days of Balıkesir" at Balıkesir University on April 10, 2026, "Determination and the Great Offensive in Mehmet Âkif Ersoy" at Afyon Kocatepe University on April 27, 2026, and "Courage and the Days of Kastamonu in Mehmet Âkif Ersoy" at our University on April 30, 2026. 

The program concluded with thanking the participants and a group photo session.