Turkey Republic Day is an annual public holiday celebrated on 29th October in Turkey. This year in 2022 it marks the 99th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey as it was proclaimed on 29th October, 1923.
The celebrations begin at noon on October 28th till the next day. Turkey had been a republic in effect since April 23, 1920, when the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was established, but official recognition came three and a half years later.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who was later chosen as the first President by the Grand National Assembly, declared the country a republic on October 29, 1923. During the celebration, heartfelt respects to the republic's founder is paid on this day.
| Event | Turkey Republic Day |
|---|---|
| Date | October 29, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | The day celebrates the Turkey Republic Day |
| Observed by | Turkey |
Turkey Republic Day History:
We all have must have heard of the Ottoman Empire which ruled the whole of Middle-East region for almost 500 years and this was a Turkish Empire. However after holding immense power for a long time the decline of the Empire was also started and when the first world war begin the Ottoman Empire decided to join on the side of the axis powers which included Germany and Austria-Hungarian Empire. The Ottoman Empire also was forced into war as it faced continuous pressure from the Russian Empire that time which was on the side of the allies and Britain was also trying to get resources of the middle-east.
And as a result of participating in the first world war the Ottomon Empite was greatly weakened along with other axis powers as well. When finally the World War I it led to the total collapse of the Ottoman Empire and it was occupied by the western powers to carry forward with their aim of partitioning the Ottomon Empire. Abolishment of the Empire was decided by Treaty of Lausanne on July 24, 1923. As a result, the newly recognized Turkish parliament proclaimed the foundation of the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923, formally ending the Ottoman Empire. Mustafa Kemal, the leader of the Turkish National Liberation War and afterward known as 'Atatürk' (father of Turks), was unanimously elected as the Republic's first president on the same day.
However it should be known that 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 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"). As a result of this Turkey became a secular, unitary, and parliamentary republic because of the reforms initiated by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the country’s first president who is also known as the father of the nation.
However at first Turkey wasn't a democracy as it remained a one-party state till 1945. Later, Turkey was a key player in the Korean War and became a member of NATO in 1952 thus joining the US side during the cold war. Several military coups had occurred in the country during the latter half of the 20th century. In the 1980s, the economy was liberalized, resulting in increased economic growth and political stability in the country, right now Turkey is considered as a significant middle-power on the global stage.
Turkey Republic Day Significance:
Turkey is a country that never ceases to enchant with its long and rich history, which has seen civilizations and empires, as well as diverse ethnicities and religions, leave their imprint. From ancient sites that defy historical truths or the world's second-oldest railway, Turkey has a lot more to offer than just delicious food, beaches, and lively marketplaces and of course that is a huge part as well and that's why Turkey is one of the most visited countries. This day celebrates the history, heritage, culture and everything of the Turkish state.
Although this day celebrates the foundation of the Turkish republic which is relatively a new nation but this also does not let go of the rich culture and history of the Turks which has existed from a long back in time from the Seljuk Empire to all the way to the Ottomon Empire. So this is a day which overall celebrates the Turkish heritage along with the new republic as a modern state and thus it inspires people to keep forward the principles of the new modern Turkish state to contribute in the overall development of the country.
It is widely known that Turkish people are extremely proud of their heritage and are eager to share their country's history and culture with guests. They are more than happy to share stories about their hometown's history while showing you the attractions no matter where you travel. So this day also gives an opportunity to all of the Turks to show their pride and honor for the nation on this occasion. It also allows them to proudly display their rich culture and traditions in front of the world amd celebrate their indentity with full pride and enthusiasm.
This is a day which also serves as a memorial for the Turkish people to remember of all of the sacrifices made by their ancestors and leaders to keep the Turkish state alive. Tributes are paid to all of the heroes of the nation on this day and obviously this includes tribute bring offered to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of the nation. So this way it also makes people realize about the importance of their freedom and thus inspires them to contribute more towards building up their nation.
Turkey Republic Day Celebrations:
Republic Day is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other autumn events, Republic Day celebrations often take place outdoors. According to Law No. 2429 of 1981, Republic Day is a national holiday, so all public institutions are closed on that day. It is also observed by Northern Cyprus.
Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red and white, the colors of the Turkish flag. Anıtkabir is visited by more than a hundred thousand people every year. Parades are often held in the morning, while concerts, and fireworks displays occur in the evening after dark at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares.
At many places in Turkey torchlight processions and music concerts are organized to mark the celebrations of this day. People lay wreaths at the many statues of Atatürk across the country or visit Atatürk’s mausoleum in the country’s capital, Ankara. Public transport is also free on Republic Day in Istanbul.
Republic Day fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the 10th Anniversary March. Istanbul has the largest fireworks display in the country. It generally holds displays over the Bosporus. Other major displays are in Ankara in Ulus; and in İzmir over the Gulf of İzmir and Gündoğdu Square.
Most Searched FAQs on Turkey Republic Day:
1. When is Turkey Republic Day celebrated?
Turkey Republic Day is annually celebrated on 29th October.
2. What does Turkey Republic Day commemorates?
Turkey Republic Day commemorates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey on 29th October, 1923.
3. Who is known as the father of the Turks?
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first President of Republic of Turkey is known as the father of Turks.