As I stepped out of the time machine and into the bright morning of May 19, 1919, a cool breeze greeted me. The scent of the sea was strong, and I could hear the waves softly crashing against the shore. I looked around and saw the city of Samsun, still waking up, quiet yet filled with tension. The roads were dusty, and old wooden houses lined the narrow streets. Horse-drawn carriages passed slowly, and people in traditional clothes moved about, most of them deep in thought.
Although the sun was shining, the atmosphere felt heavy. The Ottoman Empire had just lost World War I, and people were worried about the future. There were foreign soldiers in the city. British flags waved on ships in the harbour. Locals looked at them with suspicion and sadness. Some whispered to each other in corners, afraid to speak too loudly.
But then something happened that changed everything. A ship called Bandırma docked at the port, and a man stepped off. His name was Mustafa Kemal. He had sharp eyes and walked with confidence. People started to gather, curious and hopeful. You could feel the change in the air, like a storm was about to break, but in a good way.
Mustafa Kemal came to Samsun not just to visit, it was the beginning of a revolution. He had a plan to save his country and give people their freedom. He believed that Turkey should belong to its people, not to foreign powers or sultans. Even though the city was under control, and the future was uncertain, his arrival lit a spark in everyone’s hearts.
As I watched the people slowly gather around him, I realized I was witnessing the start of the Turkish War of Independence. Samsun wasn’t just a city anymore, it had become a symbol of courage and hope. I felt proud to stand there, even for a short moment, knowing that history was being written right before my eyes.