25.11.2015 Edirne

The Municipality Council of Edirne has decided to render unto TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and Hohenheim University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Raupp with honorary Edirne residencies.

Hisarcıklıoğlu and Raupp received their honorary residencies at the reception held by the Edirne Municipality on the anniversary of the 93^rd liberation of Edirne.

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the great honor bestowed upon him is a privilege. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Turkey has a lot to learn from Edirne.

Pointing out that it is the 93^rd anniversary of Edirne’s liberation from enemy forces, Hisarcıklıoğlu said:

“May Allah never again see fit to test us with such hardship. A lesson must be learned. There is a beautiful saying, ‘Grace and prosperity in unity; anguish in dissent.’ May Allah preserve our brotherhood, unity and solidarity.”

- Edirne Municipality Director Recep Gürkan

Edirne Municipality Director Recep Gürkan stated that the city has been home to many civilizations throughout its history.

Having acted as the capital of the Ottoman Empire for 92 years, Gürkan said that Edirne has been returned to being Turkish soil for the last 93 years thanks to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades in arms. Gürkan expressed his pride in the coexistence of many cultures in Edirne.

During the reception, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and Hohenheim University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Manfred Raupp were awarded honorary residencies in Edirne for their contributions to Edirne.

Following the speeches, Edirne Governor Dursun Ali Şahin, Municipality Director Gürkan, 54^th Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Hidayet Arı and TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu cut the celebratory cake.

The event ended with performances by the Edirne Municipality Marching Band and a fireworks display.