11.11.2026 10:51
A footage recorded in Bursa at 9:05 on November 10, Atatürk Memorial Day, caused a huge debate. As sirens sounded on the city's busiest road and citizens got out of their vehicles to observe a moment of silence, one person's remaining nonchalant while smoking a cigarette caused a huge debate.
Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, was commemorated with ceremonies held across the country on the 88th anniversary of his death. As the clocks showed 09.05, life came to a standstill in many places, while footage recorded on one of Bursa's busiest roads brought different views.
HE CONTINUED TO SMOKE
As the sirens sounded, many drivers got out of their vehicles and observed a moment of silence for Atatürk. However, it did not escape attention that one person continued smoking during this time. While the citizens around him observed a moment of silence, the fact that the person in question did not change his behavior caused debate.
THE FOOTAGE DIVIDED PEOPLE IN TWO
After the footage spread, there was a difference of opinion among citizens. Some people defended the behavior of the person in question, saying, "He doesn't have to observe a moment of silence."
On the other hand, a person who reacted to the footage said, "I condemn those who do not get out of the car. You are also showing disrespect to Atatürk's comrades-in-arms who fought alongside him, that is, to your grandfathers and grandmothers."