Queen Elizabeth II praised Turkey's role as a bridge between the West and the Islamic world on Tuesday during her first visit to the predominantly Muslim country in 37 years.
"For us, Turkey is as important now as it has ever been," the British monarch said at a state banquet. "Turkey is uniquely positioned as a bridge between East and West at a crucial time for the European Union and the world in general."
Wearing a tiara and dressed in a white gown decorated with beads, the queen said Turkey is "playing a key role in promoting peace, political stability and economic development in some of the world's most unsettled areas."
She referred to the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, a U.N.-backed project — co-sponsored by Turkey and Spain — aiming to increase dialogue between Western and non-Western cultures and to address the causes of conflict between them.
The queen laid a wreath at the tomb of Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk — a tradition expected of visiting dignitaries.
"It's an honor to pay my respects to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a much beloved friend of the United Kingdom and one of the great figures of modern history," she wrote in the visitor's book at the mausoleum.
For four days, the queen and her husband, Prince Philip, will see some of the country's most revered national monuments and take part in religious and cultural traditions, highlighting Britain's good relations with Turkey.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/ ... -Visit.php
She signed it
of course it is an honour Every Turk including myself has to bow down on our Great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk with the most utmost respect. He is a saviour, a role - model... A true hero 
