Nöbetçi Eczaneler
This meaningful flight journey actually began about two years ago, on November 10, in Samsun. In 2023, Pegasus carried out a special flight to Thessaloniki, the birthplace of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, using its 100th aircraft, named Cumhuriyet (Republic), following the symbolic flight to Samsun the previous year.
I feel very fortunate to have been part of all three of these special flights, sharing in this unique story.
So, what happened during the flight?
We attended a ceremony at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 09:05 in the morning. Afterwards, we received our boarding passes and took our seats on flight PC 1881, along with around 90 invited journalists.
At the front of the aircraft was Güliz Öztürk, Türkiye’s first female airline CEO, while Chairman Mehmet Nane, as always, chose to sit in one of the back rows.
Our flight was operated by pilots Önay May and Çağatay Düzen. Captain May made a heartfelt announcement about the importance of November 10, marking the remembrance of Atatürk.
The flight took about 40 minutes from takeoff at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Once the seatbelt signs were off, Pegasus Airlines CEO delivered a touching speech in honor of Atatürk, commemorating the Great Leader with respect, love, and gratitude aboard the Cumhuriyet aircraft.
Before we knew it, Captain May asked us to fasten our seatbelts for landing. The cabin crew worked swiftly and professionally to complete service during the short flight.
The Cumhuriyet aircraft made a smooth landing on the runway at Çanakkale Airport.
Afterwards, we traveled about an hour by road to the Martyrs’ Memorial, where the Pegasus management laid a wreath.
We visited Şahindere Cemetery, standing in silent respect among thousands of heroes; at the Hilal-i Ahmer Hospital ruins, we felt traces of compassion; and in the trenches of the 57th Regiment, we witnessed the highest form of sacrifice.
At Conkbayırı, heavy rain began pouring down as we listened to Mustafa Kemal’s famous words, “I am not ordering you to attack, I am ordering you to die.” Despite the rain, we listened in awe to the stories of bravery and sacrifice for our flag.
At the statue of Seyit Onbaşı, we once again felt the power of faith and determination that shaped our nation.
These lands are inscribed not only with the memories of war, but with faith, courage, loyalty, and love for the homeland.
We remember our heroic martyrs with deep respect and eternal gratitude
