The 96th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey is being celebrated today across Turkey. On Oct. 29, 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk officially declared the name of the nation, proclaimed Turkey’s status as a republic
Marking the day, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Turkish Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Following the ceremony at Anıtkabir, he received greetings at the Presidential Complex.
Turkey had de facto been a republic since 23 April 1920, the date of the establishment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, but the official confirmation of this fact came only three-and-a-half years later.
On 29 October 1923, the status of the nation as a republic was declared and its official name was proclaimed to be Türkiye Cumhuriyeti (“the Republic of Turkey”). After that, a vote was held in the Grand National Assembly, and Atatürk was elected as the first President of the Republic of Turkey.
The capital Ankara hosted government ceremony day time. In addition to the government ceremonies in the capital Ankara, Athena will take the stage at Anıtpark.
In Istanbul, Governorship of Istanbul organized a ceremony which was attended by Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, 1st Army Commander Gen. Musa Avsever and foreign mission representatives. During the ceremony, soldiers of the land, air and navy forces, gendarmerie and police officers in the Istanbul Police Department, students of schools throughout the province, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Police Department, Fire Brigade, Band Team and Scouting Organization and official veterans made official parades. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mehter Union marched with mehter anthems.
Celebrations in Üsküdar (Istanbul) will start with DJ performance and continue with a performance by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Orchestra. Ali Atay will add color to the night with Ata Folk Songs. Events such as Moonstar Anatolian Dances, breakdance performance and Swing İstanbul Lindy Hop dance performance will carry the celebrations to a different dimension. In small scenes in Şemsipaşa and Harem, İBB Mehteran Team, İBB Turkish Art Music Group, İBB Turkish Folk Music Group, İBB Chamber Music Group, Mazlum Çimen, Atılgan Nalıncıoğlu, Sanat Deliorman, BAU Polyphonic Choir and Pınar Günay will meet with the audience. Fireworks will illuminate at night.
In Izmir, the first ceremony held at the Governorship of Izmir. Izmir Governor Erol Ayyildiz, Aegean Army and Garrison Commander Lieutenant General Ali Sivri and Izmir Mayor Tunc Soyer received congratulations. After the official ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, the enthusiasm of the Republic Day was moved to Cumhuriyet Square. Thousands participated in the ceremony in the Cumhuriyet Square (Republic Square), Governor Ayyıldız, Lieutenant General Sivri and President Tunç Soyer’s military vehicle began to greet the people through the ceremony area. The ceremony continued with the folk dance performance of Ege University State Conservatory of Turkish Music Ekin Ensemble. At 20:30, the lighthouse procession will depart from Cumhuriyet Square and will carry the giant 350-meter Turkish Flag up to Gündoğdu Square. İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Marching Band will accompany the march with the torches and flags. After the march of the lantern procession, which will end in Gündoğdu Square. Leman Sam and Yeni Türkü concert here will start at 21.00 and the festive enthusiasm will continue with the songs.
