UK’s First Female Ambassador to Turkey Kicks Off Tenure with Tribute to Ataturk
Historic First for Jill Morris
Jill Morris officially became the British Ambassador to Turkey on 22 March 2023 after presenting her credentials to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. She’s the UK’s first-ever female Ambassador to Turkiye, marking a historic milestone.
Opening Day Visit to Anıtkabir
On her first full day in office, Ambassador Morris paid a solemn visit to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of modern Turkey. Accompanied by embassy staff, she laid a wreath and held a minute’s silence to honour his legacy.
Respect and Commitment
After the tribute, Morris signed the Anıtkabir Memorial Book, leaving a heartfelt message:
“I am deeply honoured and proud to represent the UK in Turkiye, laying a wreath at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and paying my heartfelt tribute and respect to the father of modern Turkiye. The UK and Turkiye have strong, deep-rooted relations, including as allies in NATO. I look forward to strengthening further our partnership as we celebrate the centenary of the Turkish Republic in 2023.”
This vow comes as the UK and Turkey gear up to mark 100 years of the Turkish Republic, highlighting strong diplomatic ties and NATO alliances.