The Republic of Türkiye, declared by Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on October 29, 1923, is celebrating its 101st anniversary.
On this occasion, ceremonies and events will be held in our country as well as in Türkiye.
The 101st Republic Day celebrations of Türkiye began with a speech by Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa, Yasin Ekrem Serim, on BRT at 1 pm, accompanied by a 21-gun salute on Monday.
In his speech, Serim celebrated the Republic of Türkiye’s 101st anniversary, stating, “Today, as our glorious Republic celebrates its 101st year with enthusiasm, it is also an important day of reflection for us.”
Noting that understanding what has transpired over the past 101 years was a debt to their ancestors and a duty to future generations, he stressed that the Republic of Türkiye, established 101 years ago based on Atatürk’s principle of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World,” had succeeded in becoming a symbol of peace, prosperity, and stability in a challenging region.
“Our Republic will continue to rise in its second century; with the wisdom of a state rooted in millennia, with strong traditions and values, ‘The Century of Türkiye’ will claim its place in world history. In ‘The Century of Türkiye’, our independent and national foreign policy aims to strengthen regional peace and security, expand the institutional basis of our foreign relations, foster economic development and prosperity in our region, and influence the transformation of the global system” Ambassador Serim stated.
Pointing out that they would continue to contribute to humanity’s common goals while securing their national interests, he added, “As we unite around the vision of ‘The Century of Türkiye,’ as we strengthen our unity and cohesion, work tirelessly towards our goals, and continue to embrace new developments while preserving our traditions and values, there is no doubt that the second century of our Republic will be recognized and appreciated worldwide as ‘The Century of Türkiye.’”
Stressing that “The Century of Türkiye” would undoubtedly also be the century of the Turkish Cypriots, Serim stated that, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stressed in his latest address to the United Nations General Assembly, the Turkish Cypriots and Türkiye had always demonstrated a genuine commitment to achieving a fair, lasting, and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue.
Noting that it had been 50 years since the Cyprus Peace Operation and 61 years since the Cyprus issue arose due to the Greek Cypriots’ seizure of the partnership state, he added, “Since 1974, peace and calm have prevailed on the island, and the federation model has entirely lost its relevance.”
Serim stated that the United Nations (UN) has officially acknowledged that there was no longer a common ground for the federation model, stressing, “There are two separate states and two distinct peoples on the island. The inherent rights of the Turkish Cypriots to sovereign equality and equal international status must be promptly reaffirmed.”
Calling on the international community to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and to establish diplomatic, political, and economic relations, the Turkish Ambassador said, “Let it be well understood that no matter what games are played, no matter what sanctions and isolations are imposed, we will never abandon our efforts to build a prosperous future for this land. In honour of our martyrs, veterans, and fighters, we will continue to work tirelessly to secure a better future, a more just world, and a peaceful tomorrow for the generations to come.”
Stressing that, as the country with the longest coastline in the Eastern Mediterranean, Türkiye’s rights in its declared continental shelf to the north and west of Cyprus, as well as the Turkish Cypriots’ rights over the entire island and its surrounding waters, cannot be denied, Serim noted that both Türkiye and the TRNC were prepared for constructive cooperation with neighbouring states on all matters, adding, “We expect the same approach from our neighbours.”
Ambassador Serim concluded his speech by celebrating the 101st anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, saying, “I extend my heartfelt thanks once again to the Turkish Cypriot people who have shared our enthusiasm for 101 years and celebrated this holiday with us. How happy is the one who can say, ‘I am a Turk!’ And how happy is the one who understands its value and is grateful.”