Ankara, Turkey – January 5, 2026 – Arif Nihat Asya, a prominent figure in Republican-era Turkish poetry and widely known as the ‘Poet of the Flag,’ was commemorated today on the 51st anniversary of his passing. The AK Party Culture and Arts Policies Presidency organized a ceremony at his grave, emphasizing his profound literary legacy and his significant contributions to the Turkish nation.
A Ceremony of Remembrance and Respect
The commemoration took place at Arif Nihat Asya’s grave in Karşıyaka Cemetery, Ankara. The event saw the participation of Hüseyin Yayman, AK Party Deputy Chairman and Head of Culture and Arts Policies, along with numerous party members. During the ceremony, carnations were placed on Asya’s grave, and prayers were recited in his memory.
Hüseyin Yayman, addressing the attendees, expressed gratitude and respect for Arif Nihat Asya. “Arif Nihat Asya was not merely a poet. Arif Nihat Asya was an author whose poems and words infused spirit into the Turkish nation and became legendary in our people’s tongues. As you all know, Arif Nihat Asya was truly a great poet and a great man,” said Yayman.
The Enduring Legacy of the ‘Poet of the Flag’
Yayman further elaborated on Asya’s importance, stating, “We perceive and evaluate Arif Nihat Asya not merely as an aesthetic domain, but as the memory, conscience, and collective consciousness of our nation. Every verse penned by him carries the soul, history, and destiny of these lands. Particularly with his ‘Bayrak’ (Flag) poem, he elevated the flag from being a mere symbol to representing our independence, our consciousness of martyrdom, and our national honor.”
He continued, “In his verses, the flag is a sacred trust, kneaded with the blood of martyrs, integrated with the homeland’s soil, and extending into eternity. For this reason, Arif Nihat Asya rightfully earned the title ‘Poet of the Flag’ in Turkish literature and secured an exceptional place in the hearts of our nation.”
Arif Nihat Asya: A Thinker and Statesman
Arif Nihat Asya’s influence extended beyond literature. His works, centered on national and spiritual values, inspired generations. He was also a respected intellectual who took on responsibilities in state affairs. Yayman noted that Asya maintained his dignified demeanor and the values he represented even within the Parliament, solidifying his place in memory as an enlightened individual who stood by his word.
Inspiration for Future Generations
Yayman concluded by emphasizing that Asya’s poetry was a voice of courage against fear and faith against despair. “His flag is a sacred value, uplifted by the martyr’s life, integrated with the soul of the earth, and entrusted from generation to generation. We commemorate Mr. Arif Nihat Asya once again with gratitude. His legacy will be a source of inspiration not only for us but also for future generations,” he affirmed.
“He is not just a poet; he is also a great poet who gives spirit to our nation and instills historical consciousness, national, and spiritual values in our people. On this occasion, we commemorate him once again with mercy and prayers. We, as the AK Party, under the leadership of our President, will continue our efforts to carry his legacy to future generations. Because Arif Nihat Asya is not just a poet; he is also a great light, a great torch that illuminates the path of generations,” Yayman added.
Source: [haberler.com](https://www.haberler.com/guncel/arif-nihat-asya-vefatinin-51-yilinda-anildi-19428344-haberi/)
