By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL – Nationwide events and festivities are taking place across Turkiye and at Turkish embassies around the world on October 29, the official Republic Day with the country celebrating its 101st year as a nation. Turkish President Erdogan along with key government and military officials paid tribute to the founder of the Turkish republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk at his mausoleum, Anitkabir in Ankara, to mark the occasion. As tradition dictates, there is a formal procession to Ataturk’s tomb when the Turkish president stops before the tomb at Anitkabir to pay his respects. In his speech, the Turkish leader underscored his country’s resilience and vision to continue the legacy of Ataturk in modernization and expansion throughout Turkiye. A main theme highlighted on Republic Day is the influence of the Turkish global presence and Turkiye’s significance in the global arena.
Republic Day 2024 highlighted Turkiye’s history and its plethora of contemporary achievements especially in the social, economic and defense sectors. One of the most colorful events on October 29 is the air show of F-16 fighter jets that showcases the prowess of the Turkish air force. The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) are hosting a major military parade in Ankara to showcase one of NATO’s top military alliances. Meanwhile, Turkish Naval Forces will dispatch 29 ships to 29 ports across Turkiye for public tours. In Istanbul, the Soloturk Team will demonstrate aerial stunts while in Izmir, the Turkish Army’s aerial stunt team will perform. Military museums offer free access on Republic Day as do some other public venues as well.
In Turkiye’s 81 provinces, a number of events take place throughout the country that include concerts, presentations by students at their schools, and numerous commemoration activities. Turkiye officially became a republic on October 29, 1923 after a change to the constitution by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
