THE VALUE OF SAKARYA
Years later, a painter presented Mustafa Kemal with a painting
depicting the Battle of Sakarya. In the foreground, he was shown
riding a strong, dark warhorse. While the painter awaited
congratulations, Mustafa Kemal suddenly said:
— Do not show this painting to anyone.
Everyone was taken aback, unsure of what to say. Mustafa Kemal
explained:
— Anyone who took part in that battle
knows that our animals were nothing but skin and bones, and we
ourselves were no better off. We were all skeletons. By
portraying the horses and the soldiers as strong and powerful,
my friend, you are diminishing the true value of Sakarya.