The Clock Atatürk Gifted to Altan
Berk OztoprakAuthor
Last week, I was left with goosebumps while visiting the Atatürk House in Kırklareli. If you ever visit, I highly recommend it. While researching stories about the significance of this day, I came across one that will bring a smile to my face and a touch of sadness.
Altan Gediz Sandıkçıoğlu was 6 or 7 years old, the son of an army officer, and studying at Galatasaray Primary School. It was the night of June 6, 1937.
At a reception at the Taksim Park Hotel, Atatürk entered, and a young officer, his elegant wife Bidar Hanım, and seven-year-old Altan, whose tiny, hazel eyes were scanning the room, caught his attention. They began small talk, admiring Altan's intelligence and pushing the conversation forward. At the end, Atatürk encouraged Altan, saying, "Promise me you'll be a great man."
Atatürk's love of children was always present in his life. Altan, captivated Atatürk by his intelligence and love of children, won him over. Atatürk couldn't resist and wanted to leave him a gift. This gift was a watch.
So was it an ordinary watch?
Atatürk was always interested in watches. Many stories were written about him and his watches. This particular watch was from Audemars Piguet , one of the best brands in the watchmaking world . Produced as a single piece for the opening of the Turhal Sugar Factory on October 19, 1934, this watch would now become a wonderful memento for Altan. What do we say about watches?
Hours gain meaning when their story becomes more beautiful.
That watch was no longer just an ordinary pocket watch. Especially for Altan… A gift from Atatürk and produced in a single copy, this watch held perhaps the most important place in Altan's life.
Altan's family, recognizing the watch's both monetary and sentimental value, chose to keep it in the Ziraat Bank vault. And they were right. At the time, such a substantial gift would have been difficult to conceal. But Altan was unhappy about this situation, unable to see, touch, or feel the watch.
They wanted to interview Altan. Altan had only one thing to say in his interviews: "I won't sell this watch!"
But a tragic event occurred. Young Altan was diagnosed with cancer. His family was forced to leave the watch to Yapı Kredi Bank to cover treatment expenses. The watch was no longer theirs, but Altan had a memory he would cherish for the rest of his life. Altan passed away on January 2, 1966, at the age of 35; his remains were taken from Galatasaray High School and he was buried in Merkezefendi Cemetery.
The fate of the clock still remains uncertain.
Source: https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1628726
Happy May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day! We're so glad we got to know you.
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