Türkiye is marking the republic’s 103rd anniversary on Oct. 29 with ceremonies, parades, concerts and local celebrations across the country.
Parliament proclaimed the republic on Oct. 29, 1923.
The previous evening, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk had told colleagues gathered for dinner at Çankaya in Ankara: “Tomorrow we will proclaim the republic.”
In Ankara, the official program includes a ceremony at Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum, a reception at the Presidential Complex and a parade.
The Turkish Stars aerobatic team is scheduled to fly over Anıtkabir, while SOLOTÜRK will perform in Eskişehir.
Military bands will give concerts in the capital, the Defense Ministry said.
The navy will open 29 ships to visitors at 29 ports, while military museums will offer free admission for the holiday.
Celebrations began ahead of Republic Day in several cities. In Samsun, students carried a 1,919-meter-long Turkish flag during a march on Oct. 28.
In Isparta, the municipal Misparta Scent Museum and Workshop unveiled a fragrance made from 103 endemic plant species found across Türkiye’s 81 provinces. It was presented at an exhibition tracing the republic’s history through scent.
Seventeen-year-old Erdem Belder marked the anniversary by running 103 kilometers from Yeniçağa in Bolu to Safranbolu in Karabük. He completed the route in about 13.5 hours, stopping briefly for water and rest.
Meteorologists also issued orange alerts for heavy rain in Adana, Antalya, Muğla and Mersin for Oct. 29. Authorities urged residents to take precautions against flooding, lightning and strong winds.
