On October 29, Türkiye celebrated the 103rd anniversary of its founding as a republic. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in a video message, declared that Türkiye was growing stronger and more influential, citing advances in defence, energy, transportation, and diplomacy. Erdoğan stated that Türkiye was maintaining stability and taking responsibility for resolving disputes amid wars, conflicts, and crises in its neighbourhood and across the world.
The Republic of Türkiye was proclaimed on October 29, 1923, by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who became the country's first president. The declaration followed the Turkish War of Independence, which culminated in the establishment of an independent state after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and foreign occupation attempts following World War I. This marked the beginning of extensive political, legal, educational, and social reforms intended to transform the country into a modern nation-state.
Erdoğan visited Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Atatürk, as part of the commemorations in Ankara. Across Türkiye, national flags adorned homes, workplaces, and public spaces, while municipalities organised cultural programmes, concerts, and other public events. Parades and fireworks were also scheduled in major cities. The president congratulated Turkish citizens, Turkish Cypriots, and nationals living abroad on the occasion, while extending greetings to people who share Türkiye's cultural and geographical ties.
Reflecting on the country's development over the past 24 years, Erdoğan highlighted efforts to strengthen domestic technology, expand defence capabilities, improve energy security, modernise transport infrastructure, and increase production capacity. He said the country's population of approximately 86 million would work towards realising the Türkiye Century vision, aimed at building a more prosperous and influential nation.
The president also paid tribute to Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, the heroes of the national struggle, and those who died defending the homeland, while expressing gratitude to veterans. Erdoğan reaffirmed the country's commitment to peace and justice under the motto, "Peace at home, peace in the world."
In Nigeria, the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Abuja marked the occasion with a National Day reception scheduled for October 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the embassy building. The event brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders, cultural figures, and friends of Türkiye.
The annual celebration provided an opportunity to commemorate the founding of the Turkish republic and recognise the country's national journey, while highlighting its diplomatic relations with Nigeria. Erdoğan concluded his message by saying, "Happy 103rd anniversary of our republic."
Key points
- Türkiye celebrated the 103rd anniversary of its founding as a republic with official ceremonies and public events.
- President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye was growing stronger and more influential, citing advances in defence, energy, transportation, and diplomacy.
- The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria hosted a National Day reception to mark the occasion, bringing together government officials and members of the diplomatic community.
