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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday marked the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, pledging to uphold the nation’s unity, independence, and strength.
“We are working with all our strength to keep the Republic of Türkiye everlasting,” Erdogan said in a statement released by the Presidency.
Describing the republic as the culmination of a centuries-old state tradition forged through sacrifice, Erdogan said: “The Republic of Türkiye is the final roof of our selfless nation that clung with all its strength to its freedom and independence despite hardships, deprivation, and struggle during the most painful days of its history—the last link in our chain of states.”
Erdogan commemorated the heroes who secured Türkiye’s independence, saying, “I commemorate with mercy the heroes who for centuries have made these lands our homeland with their blood and their lives.”
He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s determination to confront threats to social cohesion and sovereignty.
“Without giving credit to those who trade in chaos and target our national unity and solidarity, we will, God willing, continue to overcome obstacles, foil plots, and frustrate those who pursue expansionist ambitions,” he said.
The president highlighted development and security goals under the Century of Türkiye vision, a long-term roadmap for national growth and modernization.
“In line with our Century of Türkiye goals, we are making groundbreaking strides in every field,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to building a “terror-free Türkiye where our 86 million people will live in peace.”
Erdogan also emphasized the country’s active foreign policy, saying Türkiye “remains committed to defending justice in global crises.”
Calling for unity in shaping the nation’s future, Erdogan said: “We will build together a great, strong, and prosperous Türkiye—respected in the world and a leader in its region.”
He concluded by extending Republic Day greetings to citizens in Türkiye and abroad: “May the 102nd year of our Republic be blessed.”
Republic Day marks the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on Oct. 29, 1923.
On Feb. 2, 1925, the Foreign Ministry proposed making Oct. 29 a national holiday, and in April of that year, parliament passed a law officially designating it as Republic Day.
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