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Republic Day, celebrated on Oct. 29, marks the formal establishment of the Republic of Türkiye. On this day in 1923, a landmark amendment in the Turkish Parliament defined Türkiye’s governance as a republic.
Before that historic moment, the Ottoman Empire had functioned as an absolute monarchy until 1876 and later as a constitutional monarchy until its defeat in World War I. Following the empire’s collapse, Turkish national forces led by Mustafa Kemal launched the War of Independence, achieving victory in October 1922.
The Turkish Parliament had been established earlier, on April 23, 1920. The Fundamental Law (Teskilat-i Esasiye Kanunu), enacted on Jan. 20, 1921, proclaimed national sovereignty.
After a political deadlock in October 1923, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk drafted a constitutional amendment proposing a republican form of government. On Oct. 29, 1923, the Turkish Parliament adopted the amendment, officially proclaiming the Republic of Türkiye.
Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayrami) commemorates the founding of the Republic of Türkiye. Since 1925, the day has been celebrated across Türkiye and by Turkish communities around the world. The anniversary highlights both the country’s historical journey and the enduring spirit of national unity that followed the War of Independence.
In Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, a concert was organized by the Croatian-Turkish Friendship Association (HTUP) under the auspices of the Turkish Embassy. The Jeunesses Musicales Croatia ensemble performed classical and contemporary pieces from Turkish music, including works by Turkish artists, to mark the 102nd anniversary of the republic. Guests warmly applauded the performance, which emphasized cultural ties between Türkiye and Croatia.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bucharest Ozgur Kivanc Altan hosted a reception to mark the 102nd anniversary of the republic. Romanian ministers, parliament members, senior officials, and notable figures such as former Prime Ministers Victor Ponta and Adrian Nastase attended the ceremony. Celebrated athletes Gheorghe Hagi and Gheorghe Popescu were also among the guests, reflecting the deep bonds between the two nations. The Romanian national orchestra performed in honor of the occasion, and the Turkish flag adorned the stage alongside the Romanian one.
In Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, streets were illuminated with red and white lights for Republic Day. Government buildings and landmarks were decorated with Turkish flags, while banners featuring the crescent and star brightened the cityscape. The striking visuals reflected the long-standing friendship and solidarity between Türkiye and Pakistan.
In Tehran, the Turkish Primary School within Türkiye’s Embassy hosted a colorful celebration of the republic’s 102nd anniversary. Students, teachers, and parents gathered for the event, which began with a moment of silence and the national anthem. Young students recited poems, staged short plays, and performed traditional folk dances, highlighting the meaning of the republic.
At the Ontario Legislative Building in Toronto, a flag-raising ceremony was held to mark Republic Day. The Turkish flag was raised to the national anthem, “Istiklal Marsi.” Türkiye’s Consul General Can Yoldas delivered remarks alongside Ontario legislators Michael Tibollo, Chris Glover, and Mary-Margaret McMahon, who joined in solidarity with the Turkish community in Canada.
Türkiye’s Embassy in Tripoli hosted a reception attended by senior Libyan officials and diplomats. The event began with both countries’ national anthems, followed by the reading of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Republic Day message. Ambassador Guven Begec expressed gratitude to the guests for their attendance, emphasizing the significance of the 102nd anniversary and Türkiye’s lasting friendship with Libya.
At the International Maarif Schools in Erbil, Iraq, students, teachers, and guests gathered for a cultural program featuring performances and speeches.
The event was attended by Türkiye’s Consul General Erman Topcu, regional officials, including Minister Aydin Maruf, and representatives of the Maarif Foundation. Participants underscored the role of education in preserving the values of the republic.
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