Türkiye Celebrates Republic Day

A century ago, under the leadership of national hero Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the people of Anatolia triumphed in their struggle for independence against foreign intervention. On October 29, 1923, the secular Republic of Türkiye was officially proclaimed. Since then, the Turkish nation has celebrated Republic Day with the enduring motto: “Sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the nation.”

On April 23, 1920, during the War of Independence, the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye was established, declaring the foundation of the Republic. However, Türkiye was not officially recognized until 1923, when the Treaty of Lausanne was signed on July 24, confirming the country’s sovereignty.

Two months after the opening of the second parliamentary term, on October 13, 1923, Ankara was declared the capital of the Turkish government.

Following the proclamation of the Republic, the first presidential election was held. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk received all 158 votes cast in a secret ballot, becoming the first president of the new Turkish state.

According to a decree dated October 26, 1924, it was decided to celebrate Republic Day with artillery salutes and official ceremonies. The first celebration took place on October 29, 1924.

On February 2, 1925, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed to designate October 29 as an official public holiday. The proposal was approved by the Constitutional Committee on April 18 and later ratified by the Grand National Assembly on April 19, 1925, making Republic Day a national holiday.