President Recep Tayyip Erdogan opened Hadimkoy Dr. İsmail Niyazi Kurtulmuş Hospital. Following the opening ceremony, President Erdogan and Minister of Health, Fahrettin Koca inspected the hospital.
In his speech, Erdogan remembered Abdul Hamid II with gratitude and added the fact that the building served as a military hospital for almost a century.
Noting that Dr. Ismail Niyazi Kurtulmuş was someone whom he knew in person, Erdogan said, "He is the son of Major Numan Kurtulmuş from Unye, Ordu who fought in the Balkan War, the World War 1 and also the War of Independence. After graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at Istanbul University and specializing in internal medicine, he dedicated his life to treating all patients and youngsters in the city."
Noting that Turkey had also took revolutionary steps to protect the history and culture of its ancestors for the past 18 years, Erdogan continued, "We are not only protecting the heritage of our ancestors but of the whole region. When we came to power, we realized that only 460 works were renovated. Over the course of 18 years, we have renovated 5060 works. We have 18 elements in the UNESCO'S intangible cultural heritage list. We are in the top five among 178 countries in the world. We also have 45 representatives in the Living Human Treasure list."
Minister of Health, Fahrettin Koca, also delivered a speech at the ceremony that the opening of this hospital was a very exciting step that would further strengthen the healthcare system.
Pointing out that the hospital was restored in only 45 days as per the instruction of President Erdogan, Koca added, "We are here not only on the occasion of opening this hospital but also of protecting our history and cultural heritage. Hadimkoy Military Hospital is the reflection of the reconstruction movement kicked off by Abdul Hamid II on rural Istanbul."
"Dr. Ismail Niyazi Kurtulmus Hospital represents history, culture and art"
"On the grounds where once stood an abandoned and derelict building, stands a modern hospital, which was restored in line with its original state, with a capacity of 100 beds. Hope it yields to fruitful conclusions for the Turkish people", said Koca and continued, "We are naming this hospital after Dr. Ismail Niyazi Kurtulmus, who was the father of the poor and dedicated his life for good cause.
I have no doubt that my colleagues in this hospital will exert their efforts worthy of our elders, whom we are remembering with gratitude. Dr. Ismail Niyazi Kurtulmus Hospital represents history, culture and art. It represents heritage, loyalty and historical awareness. It will serve as a guide for all of us."
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