13.01.2026 18:27
Necati Yılmaz, who is 100 years old and a guest of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, referred to Erdoğan as "my spiritual grandson." Yılmaz stated that the meeting in the capital was one of the most unforgettable moments of his life.
In his century-long life, 100-year-old Necati Yılmaz, who closely witnessed Turkey's political history, described his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara as one of the most unforgettable moments of his life. Yılmaz referred to Erdoğan as "My spiritual grandson."
After meeting with President Erdoğan in Ankara, Necati Yılmaz returned to Düzce. Having lived through the years of presidents and prime ministers starting from Cemal Gürsel during the Republic era, Yılmaz stated that the meeting with Erdoğan held a special significance for him.
Yılmaz, who noted that he has encountered names serving in the highest levels of the state since the 1950s, expressed that he has memories of many political leaders, from Cemal Gürsel to Süleyman Demirel, Turgut Özal to Bülent Ecevit and Necmettin Erbakan. He emphasized that his meeting with President Erdoğan has a special place in his life.
"I HAVE BEEN SEEING PRESIDENTS SINCE 1951"
Sharing his long-standing memories with presidents, Yılmaz said:
"I am 100 years old. I thank everyone, especially my children. May God grant everyone long lives like mine. I have been seeing presidents since 1951. I saw Cemal Gürsel, Süleyman Demirel, and Turgut Özal. Bülent Ecevit was the prime minister, and I also saw Necmettin Erbakan. This visit took place thanks to our Mayor Dr. Faruk Özlü and our Member of Parliament Ayşe Keşir. I waited with great excitement to see our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. They hosted us at the party headquarters."
"HE IS MY SPIRITUAL GRANDSON"
Describing his emotional encounter with President Erdoğan, Yılmaz said, "When our President came, he first greeted me and kissed my hand. I kissed his forehead as well. He is a world leader. The world needs him. I told him, 'Do not leave your country, our country needs you. You are my spiritual grandson.'
"I WILL KEEP THE CANE HE GAVE ME FOR LIFE"
Stating that President Erdoğan gifted him a cane during the visit, Yılmaz said, "I will keep the cane he gave me until the end of my life. I will hang it in the main corner of my room. Every time I look at it, I will remember our President. I had my own cane, but the one he gave me is much more valuable to me."