Response from Turkish Chess Federation

Yesterday, I posted a complaint from Mr. Aviv Bushinsky, Chairman of the Israeli Chess Federation. Below is the official response from the Turkish Chess Federation.

Dear ChessBase,

2009 World Youth Chess Championships, were organised in Antalya with very good conditions. We did not get any complaint for the event – on the contrary we got much positive feedbacks.

Let me explain you that in the 2009 World Youth Chess Championships closing ceremony, after consultation with FIDE authorities in Antalya in advance, a long time before the final round, we decided not to play any national anthems. You should understand that, as you mentioned on your website, twelve anthems would last at least 50 minutes, and considering the very young players and many guests it would have been torture to them.

So no anthems were played, not even the national anthem of Turkey, or the anthem of FIDE.

Today when I read your website, and this scandalous letter of ICF, I was shocked. This kind of news may get attention, but it does not contribute to our eminent sport. On the contrary, such as approach can only help to get politics into chess, which all we are afraid and very far. We had always excellent relations with Israel Chess Federation without any problem, we do not share the comment on the official protest of their chairman. We think that also that scandalous letter does not have any base on the board of Israel Chess Federation. We will make official explanation to related diplomatic missions. However, I should say that by listening a parent, and not a good friend, the chairman of Israel Chess Federation went very far passing all limits. That is a shame for chess which tries to make world a peaceful place.

Best regards,
Ali Nihat YAZICI
President