Türkiye marks 103rd Republic Day with ceremonies, nationwide celebrations

Türkiye is marking the 103rd anniversary of the founding of its Republic with ceremonies in the capital and festivities across the country.

Celebrations in Ankara were set to begin with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and senior state officials visiting Anitkabir, the mausoleum of founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Erdogan will lay a wreath, observe a moment of silence and sign the memorial book, then receive congratulations at the Presidential Complex.

In a video message, Erdogan said Türkiye is stronger today than yesterday and will be more powerful, prestigious and effective in every field tomorrow. He pointed to progress over the past 24 years in defence, energy, transport and diplomacy.

The Republic was declared on October 29 1923, with all 158 lawmakers present in Parliament voting in favour. Ataturk was subsequently elected the country’s first president with all 158 votes.

On Thursday, Türkiye’s senior officials also marked the anniversary.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the government is working towards the 2053 and 2071 visions under Erdogan’s leadership, aiming to carry its gains further, while Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli said his party was determined to carry the Republic’s legacy into the “Century of Türkiye”.

National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalin said the Republic embodied Türkiye’s independence, unity and shared future, adding that MIT would continue working to protect national security and sovereignty.

Turkic leaders in Ankara

This year’s anniversary coincides with the 13th Organization of Turkic States (OTS) summit, which brings the leaders of the five member states to Ankara on October 29-30.

Erdogan will open the Bestepe National Garden with an equestrian show, then host an official dinner for visiting leaders.

Guests will be welcomed by the Mehter band and by soldiers and flags representing 16 historic Turkic states. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov will receive a state medal, and the president will present this year’s Ali Sir Nevai International Award.

The programme will also feature a concert by Türkiye’s Presidential Symphony Orchestra, a traditional dance performance organised by TURKSOY, an international organisation promoting Turkic culture, and live music by Turkish singer Kirac and Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen.

Celebrations across the country

Republic Day events are taking place across Türkiye.

The “Türkiye Pedals” initiative will bring together cyclists across all 81 provinces from October 29 to November 1, ahead of the COP31 climate summit in Antalya on November 9-20. Open to licensed athletes, cycling clubs, students, families and cycling enthusiasts, the events aim to promote cycling as a sustainable transport option and raise public awareness of the climate change.

The historic Istiklal Road is being crossed on horseback to mark the Republic’s 103rd year. Organised for the third time by the Equestrian and Culture Association, the ride follows the 95-kilometre route along which weapons and ammunition arriving at Inebolu Port were sent on to Anatolia during the War of Independence. Forty-five riders from across Türkiye are taking part in the two-day journey.

The Osmangazi-Türkiye Century Run on the Osmangazi Bridge is expected to draw around 6,000 participants, with nearly 8,000 applications received and athletes from 19 countries signed up. The event, held for the first time on October 29, features a 10-kilometre race for elite runners and a 5-kilometre public run. Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Buyukakin said organisers aim to make it a traditional annual event, bringing together people of different generations to mark the Republic Day.

In Corum, residents marked the day with a march carrying a 103-metre Turkish flag.

In Diyarbakir, students unfurled a 54-square-metre Turkish flag at the historic Ickale in the Sur district, in the shadow of the city’s thousands-of-years-old walls and stone structures. The event was led by the provincial education directorate, and the choreography was filmed from the air by drone.