Turkey marked the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Republic yesterday, a celebration of the rebirth of the country after World War I. Crowds, along with country's leaders, paid their respects to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the military officer who rose to be the founder of the Republic.
Ceremonies where cheers were mixed with solemn moments were held all across the country but the focal point of events was Anıtkabir, the giant mausoleum of Atatürk in the capital Ankara, which was a fledgling city when the Republic was declared on Oct. 29, 1923. People of all ages visited the Anıtkabir that attracted visitors from all around Turkey with unflinching devotion to the man who forever changed the fate of the country.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accompanied by Parliamentary Speaker Binali Yıldırım, high-ranking officials and opposition parties' heads, led the event in Anıtkabir where soldiers laid wreaths in memory of Atatürk.
The president, who was scheduled later yesterday to attend the opening of the Istanbul airport, touted as one of the biggest in the world, wrote in mausoleum's guestbook that he was "excited and proud" to be in presence of Atatürk on the 95th anniversary of declaration of the Republic.
"We respectfully remember you and your comrades-in-arms. We mark this anniversary with opening of a new airport in Istanbul, one of the most prestigious projects in the world. This historical opening is a symbol of successes Turkey achieved in 95 years, a symbol of its power and determination. May your soul be blessed," Erdoğan wrote.
The president later hosted the traditional Republic reception.
The day celebrates when Parliament amended the constitution to change the system of government to a republic. It concluded the four-year independence war against several countries, including World War I allies Great Britain, France, Italy and Greece, and officially marked the end of the Ottoman Empire. Atatürk was elected as the first president of the Republic. The day has been celebrated since 1925.
