Cappadocia adorned with Turkish flags and Atatürk posters

October 29 Republic Day events saw staff members hang flags and posters on the baskets of hot air balloons used for tourist tours.

At sunrise, dozens of hot air balloons rose into the sky from the town of Göreme in Nevşehir.

As the balloons, carrying Turkish flags and Atatürk posters, flew over valleys covered in fairy chimneys, tourists took photos of the scenery.

Tourism professional Mehmet Dinler told reporters that all balloon operators in the region had decorated their balloons with flags for the occasion.

Noting that they were sharing in the enthusiasm of Republic Day, Dinler said, "We are filled with an endless gratitude toward Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. We did not establish the Republic, but we are the ones who will keep it alive and pass it on to future generations with our founding elements and values. Happy 100th anniversary of our Republic."

Hot air balloon pilot Tolga Eke expressed the excitement of celebrating Republic Day in the sky, saying, "On the 100th anniversary of the Republic, we are waving our glorious flag in the skies. We are happy to celebrate this special day together with our guests from different nations."

The balloons flew for approximately 45 minutes over the skies of Cappadocia, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

News Source: AA