Distinguished Guests,

In this small, but meaningful ceremony, we wanted to honor the past while looking to the future, and celebrate history, culture and the enduring friendship between Türkiye and the Netherlands.

104 years ago today, in 1921, the Turkish Grand National Assembly adopted the poem written by our great poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy as the National Anthem of the Republic of Türkiye, known in Turkish as the İstiklâl Marşı, or the Independence March. It has been symbolizing spirit of our nation’s resilience and independence.

We wished to mark this occasion by naming a new and specially bred red triumph tulip, as a joint initiative with Royal Anthos and Smit Flowers. We chose the tulip as the centerpiece of this day because of its historic and cultural significance for both Turkish and Dutch peoples who have cherished it for centuries as a symbol of beauty, prosperity and elegance. Tulip is not only a flower: a bridge between nations, a testament to the historical and cultural exchanges between our peoples.

The name of this new tulip is “Kızılırmak”. It is the longest river which flows entirely in Türkiye. Kızılırmak is referred to as the source of richness of Anatolia: Throughout thousands of years of history, from the Hittites to the modern Republic of Türkiye, Kızılırmak has nurtured countless civilizations and has been the symbol of culture, prosperity and resilience. Much like this river, which carves its path through time and geography, the Turkish nation has also endured hardships, strengthened its resilience and have always moved forward.

This resilience is exactly what the Mehmet Akif reflected in his poem. İstiklâl Marşı is more than a poem: it is a declaration of courage and determination. It became voice of a people who refused to surrender and fought for freedom.

I would like to remind all that during those turbulent times of the First War and thereafter, the Netherlands was neutral and had even protected Ottoman interests in several countries - first and foremost in Greece. It has become one of 7 countries who recognized the new Republic as we celebrated last year the 100^th anniversary of the signature of the Friendship Treaty. This friendship is alive today against contemporary challenges which affect our mutual interests.

H.E. Mr. Velderkampt’s visit to Türkiye yesterday is a good coincidence in this framework. As we celebrate the friendship of tulip, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to fostering this friendship of almost five centuries between Türkiye and the Netherlands. I would like to specially thank Royal Anthos and Smit Flowers for making today possible.