The official celebration program in the capital Ankara for the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye began with a visit to Anıtkabir.
State officials, led by AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, visited Anıtkabir as part of the October 29 Republic Day to commemorate Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Representatives of political parties and members of the state protocol attended the ceremony.
CHP leader Özgür Özel and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli also took part in the official ceremony at Anıtkabir.
After President Erdoğan placed a wreath adorned with the crescent and star at Atatürk's mausoleum, a moment of silence was observed, and the National Anthem was played.
Following this, Erdoğan and his accompanying delegation moved to the Misak-ı Milli Tower.
"WE HAVE PAID GREAT PRICES FOR THE REPUBLIC"
President Erdoğan wrote the following in the Anıtkabir Special Book here:
"Dear Atatürk, today we are celebrating the 103rd anniversary of the founding of our Republic, for which we have paid great prices. On this important day that charted a new course for our history, I commemorate you, your comrades-in-arms, and our heroic martyrs with gratitude. We are in an intense struggle on different fronts to lead the Republic of Türkiye, with its state and nation, to prosperous and victorious tomorrows. Even before the Republic was proclaimed, the words in your address to the Grand National Assembly on March 1, 1922, stating, 'No instrument, no force can be imagined that would deter us from pursuing our national cause,' continue to guide us in our struggle."
Following the ceremony, Erdoğan is expected to accept congratulations for Republic Day. Throughout the day, official ceremonies and celebration events will be held across the country, particularly in Ankara.
News Source: 12punto
