Turkey marks 99th anniversary of Republic Day

Anadolu Agency

Turkey on Oct. 29 marked the 99th anniversary of Republic Day, signifying the official foundation of the Turkish Republic. 

Headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the ceremony at the Republic of Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the capital Ankara., known as Anıtkabir, was attended by numerous state and military officials.

The Turkish War of Independence started with Ataturk's landing on the city of Samsun on the Black Sea coast in 1919.

Anatolia's liberation from occupation opened a new chapter in Turkish history as the new country was recognized under the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923.

On Oct. 29, 1923, Ataturk officially declared the name of the nation and proclaimed the country's status as a republic.

A vote then took place in Turkey's parliament, the Grand National Assembly, and Atatürk was unanimously elected the first president of the Republic of Turkey. Since then, Turkey has celebrated Republic Day every year on Oct. 29.

A number of countries on Oct. 29 also congratulated the Turkish people and government on the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: "The relationship between Turkey and the United States is vital and grounded in the deep cultural and commercial ties between our two countries, as well as our work together as NATO Allies in furtherance of regional and global peace, security, and prosperity. We appreciate Turkey’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.

On this special day, we join with our Turkish friends in celebration and are grateful for our longstanding and close ties."

The Greek and Israeli foreign ministries also extended greetings to the people and the government of Turkey in messages posted on Twitter.

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