A viewer translated the text as (I added some words to make it more English): “After visiting Kars, Atatürk described the geopolitic importance of our town as:
" Kars, having been occupied by enemies for 40 years, in 1915 massacred by Russian Armies, occupied by Armenians in 1918 and massacred by Armenians between 1919 and 1920 was saved by our soldiers in 30 October 1920 which was the first victory of New Turkey. Since our people in Kars (became?) involved (in the?) Mother Land recently and considering its condition our government is more interested in Kars ..." The viewer went on: The place with dots can be translated as "We will spend more in order to develop this city and ..." But, he could not read the end.

I add as a note: I am certain that the content of the quote will meet with resentment from several parties. However, supposing the translation is correct, I will not change the text. The monument and its text can be read by anybody on that particular square. I do not want to be the messenger who gets shots for bringing the message. So if you feel like complaining: write to the Kars authorities – or to Atatürk if you know how to reach him, but leave me and the other viewers alone. For that very reason I have deleted (and will continue to do so) a number of links some viewers “commented”, to sites that discuss issues that are not relevant to watching any of the Kars pictures.