Mehmet Akif Ersoy

“ This blood of ours which we shed for you shall not be blessed otherwise; For Freedom is the absolute right of my God-worshiping nation. I have been free since the beginning and forever shall be so. What madman shall put me in chains! ”

“ I’ll tear the mountains, even oceans won't contain me and I will erupt. If horizons of the west is surrounded by a steel plated wall, I have a frontier like my bosom full of faith! Let it howl, do not be afraid, how can it throttle a faith such as this? What you call "The Civilized (World) " is but a monster with only a single tooth left. ”

“ Our motivation, faith, and internal drive is what has and will continue to carry us through, and that is something that our enemies cannot remotely match. All we need for ultimate victory is the ability to recognize our true 'innate strenghts': a 'fiery faith' and the 'mighty chest (i.e. heart) of a believer'."↑ In Turkish, shroud-less is a metaphor used for martyrs, i.e. those who have sacrificed their lives for their country and their faith. In Islamic tradition, the dead have to be ceremoniously washed and dressed in linen shrouds before burial in order to have a safe passage to Heaven. ”

“ Look at what we have accomplished so far with virtually non-existent arms and supplies! We are horribly fatigued, and at a disadvantage in every conceivable way, yet we still are able to succeed in our battle for liberty! ”

“ It was at such a grim point in time that a defiant new organization of armed and civil forces, led by Atatürk, gave the people hope for the future through a series of successful battles and liberation campaigns, which gradually turned into an increasingly successful War of Independence. ”

“ Thus, the poet is calling out to the Nation, and saying that while "the lands of the West may be armed with walls of steel", i.e. "while these European armies may have seemingly impenetrable/unbeatable modern technology and weaponry, do not be fooled/discouraged by their apparent superiority. ”