The Republic of Tuürkiye, declared on October 29, 1923, by the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who ushered in a new era for the Turkish nation following the victory in the War of Independence, celebrates its 101st anniversary.
The founding anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye was also celebrated with ceremonies and events in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
A ceremony was held in front of the Atatürk Monument in Lefkoşa in honour of Republic Day on October 29 at 9:30am.
The ceremony was attended by President Ersin Tatar, the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Ziya Öztürkler, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Supreme Court President Bertan Özerdağ, former President Mehmet Ali Talat, the Commander of the Cyprus Turkish Peace Force Command Major General Sebahattin Kılınç, the Commander of the Security Forces Command Major General İlker Görgülü, the leader of the main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Tufan Erhürman, ministers, deputies, mayors, representatives of organizations and associations, and citizens.
During the ceremony, wreaths were laid at the monument according to protocol, followed by a moment of silence and the raising of flags accompanied by the National Anthem.
President Ersin Tatar and Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa, Yasin Ekrem Serim, signed the special book.
President Tatar wrote in the special book, “As the Turkish Cypriot people, part of the great Turkish nation, we celebrate with great enthusiasm the 101st anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. The War of Independence was won with great sacrifices and heroism despite all adversities. The spirit of nationalism and hope of the Turkish Cypriots began to ignite immediately after the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye.”
“The Turkish Cypriot people have always followed the path of Atatürk’s principles and reforms. I remember with gratitude and respect Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, and his comrades-in-arms. I wholeheartedly celebrate the Republic Day of our motherland, Türkiye” Tatar added.
Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa, Yasin Ekrem Serim, also wrote in the special book.
“Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, on the 101st anniversary of our Republic’s founding, I am honoured to stand before you as the Ambassador of our country to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” Serim said.
“The Republic of Türkiye, in these challenging times facing our world, continues on its path with unwavering commitment to the goal of reaching the level of contemporary civilizations, fully aware of the great responsibility it bears. In this journey, we maintain a strong and determined stance against all forms of threats and defamation directed at our country and our republic, and we strive for peace and stability in our region, as well as justice on an international scale” he added.
“As we have done so far, we will continue to work steadfastly to align Türkiye with its goals and to make the second century of our republic the Century of Türkiye. We will never give up on building the future of our country and our republic” the Turkish Ambassador stressed.
“On this joyous and meaningful day, we once again bow respectfully before your cherished memory, in solidarity and unity of spirit with our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters, as we remember with reverence and gratitude our martyrs who did not hesitate to sacrifice their lives in the struggle for our homeland, and we honour our veterans with appreciation” Serim concluded.