Turkey celebrates 92nd Republic Day

  • Published
  • By Tanju Varlikli
  • 425th Air Base Squadron Host Nation Adviser
IZMIR AIR STATION, Turkey --  The greatest national holiday for Turkey is Republic Day, which will be celebrated throughout the country Oct. 29 - the anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic. 

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, declared the new country would be the Republic of Turkey on this day in 1923 after the War of Independence.  

On Oct. 29, 1923, after years of struggle, strife and political maneuvers, Atatürk proposed constitutional amendments to the Grand National Assembly, which would serve as a foundation for a new republic. The amendments include the following phrase:

"The form of government of State of Turkey will be that of a republic. The president of Turkey will be the head of state and will appoint the prime minister." 

During the celebrations, all cities and towns are illuminated with torchlight parades along the streets. Each year, a grand parade is held at the Cumhuriyet (Republic) Square on Izmir's waterfront Kordon from 11:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. commemorating the founding of the republic.

This year's festivities start Oct. 28 at noon and continue throughout Oct. 29 concluding with a torchlight parade at 8:30 p.m. between Cumhuriyet and Gündoğdu squares in Alsancak.