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Turkey marks Republic Day

Turkey celebrated Republic Day marking the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Republic on Oct 29, 2913, with events held across the country.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, along with senior officials, visited Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatrk, the Republic’s founder.

At 11.00 am, a delegation of state officials, including the president and other high level officials and main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgr Özel and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, walked along the Lion’s Path at Anitkabir. The ceremony included a wreath-laying by Erdogan, followed by a moment of silence and the national anthem.

In his message in Anitkabir’s memorial book, Erdogan wrote, “In an era where borders in our region are once again drawn with blood and tears, as they were a century ago, we are taking every measure to safeguard our nation’s security and sovereignty.”

Erdogan also shared a video message emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to peace, security, and justic
e both domestically and internationally: “We will hold firmly to our historical values and civilizational principles to ensure peace and stability within our borders and in our region.”

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus highlighted the enduring spirit of Turkey’s independence. ‘The aim to strengthen our national solidarity and stand against imperialism continues to light our path,” he said in his statement.

CHP leader Özgr Özel arrived in Anitkabir with hundreds of party members. In a video he shared on social media, he said, “We will work tirelessly to strengthen our republic, which was established to be a protector of the vulnerable, and to achieve the goals set forth by our founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatrk,’

Bahçeli said, “Free-thinking, conscientious, and enlightened generations will continue to carry the torch of the republic, lighting the way to a bright future,” he said.

‘Still awaiting a democratic republic’

The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) highlighted the need for
further democratic reforms. ‘As the Republic reaches its 101st year, it still awaits the fulfillment of a vision for a Democratic Republic that reflects a pluralistic and peaceful society,’ the statement read. The party reiterated its commitment to a “Democratic Constitution, equal and free citizenship, and the rule of law,” aiming to build an inclusive and democratic society for all citizens.

Source: English Bianet