An audio guide in Ukrainian is now available at the Atatürk Memorial
In Turkey, another well-known landmark has become accessible to Ukrainians in their native language. A Ukrainian-language audio guide has been launched at the Anıtkabir memorial complex, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, is buried.
Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska announced the launch of the new audio guide. According to her, Ukrainian is now featured alongside the world’s most widely spoken languages, and Ukrainians can learn about Turkey’s history without a language barrier. The Ukrainian-language audio guide is now available at Anıtkabir—one of Turkey’s most famous memorials, dedicated to the country’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Olena Zelenska noted that this is particularly important for Ukrainians who are currently living in or temporarily staying in Turkey following the outbreak of full-scale war. “The Ukrainian community in Turkey, which has grown significantly due to the Russian invasion, will be able to hear the story of Atatürk and his country in their native language. And Ukrainian will be featured alongside English, French, Chinese, and Spanish, because it has the right to be accessible at the world’s leading landmarks on par with other languages,” the first lady emphasized.
She also noted that this is already the 124th Ukrainian-language audio guide launched at prominent tourist and cultural sites in 60 countries around the world. Olena Zelenska recalled that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk effectively created modern Turkey after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. It was he who initiated the sweeping reforms that transformed the country.
Among them were the right of women to study, work, and participate in elections. One of Atatürk’s guiding principles was the phrase: “Peace at home, peace in the world.” According to the First Lady, this principle has become the foundation of modern Turkey’s policy. “Atatürk believed that the borders and rules of every country must be respected, and that war is a crime unless waged to defend one’s own life,” she noted.
Anıtkabir is one of Turkey’s main symbols. It is not only the mausoleum where Atatürk is buried but also a large museum complex and memorial park. It is here that state ceremonies are held, and millions of tourists from various countries visit each year. The museum features exhibits dedicated to the Turkish War of Independence, the founding of the republic, and the reforms of its first president. Separate exhibitions detail the most significant battles, including the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I.
Thanks to the new audio guide, Ukrainian visitors can now learn about the entire history of the complex in their own language. This is another step toward ensuring that Ukrainian is represented in the world’s leading museums and landmarks on par with other international languages. Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska announced this on Facebook.
Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, along with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, arrived in Ankara for the NATO summit. As she stepped off the plane, she appeared before the cameras in a simple yet striking mustard-colored suit.
