When did the Republic Day Eve in Turkey start?
About Republic Day Eve in Turkey Holiday
The Republic Day Eve of Turkey is a time of reflection on the nation’s achievements since it gained independence. It is a day to pay tribute to the country’s accomplishments and further ignite a passion for national pride. Every year on this day Turks proudly celebrate the founding of the Republic and take time to remember its heroes who fought for independence.
This year, the Republic Day Eve of Turkey will be especially proud and joyful. The country and its citizens have great achievements to be celebrated. Together, Turks embraced the spirit of freedom and democracy, which were the foundations of the republic. Turks have become resilient and united to face the challenges of the future.
The Republic Day Eve of Turkey holds hope and optimism among its people. As this day comes to a close, the citizens of Turkey are ready to hold their heads up high and continue their march towards progress and prosperity. May the spirit of independence and brotherhood live on in the hearts and minds of all Turks, and may their courage for this country never fade.
History and Origin of Republic Day Eve in Turkey
Republic Day Eve, an important national holiday in Turkey, is celebrated each year on the 29th of October. The day marks the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, also known as National Sovereignty Day or Cumhuriyet Bayramı. The commemorative holiday is celebrated by Turks all over the world, displaying their appreciation for the modern-day Republic of Turkey.
It all began in 1909 when a group of intellectuals called the Young Turks founded the Committee of the Union and Progress that ultimately aimed to change the corrupt and oppressive Ottoman Empire which had been in control since 1299. The Young Turks found success in 1912 when the Empire was forced to concede to their demands, instituting parliamentary government and civil liberties.
Though the Young Turks were initially successful, they failed to keep the Ottoman Empire in check, losing both World War I and the Greco-Turkish War and leaving the country unstable and politically weak. Mustafa Kemal Pasha established a provisional government in Ankara in 1920 and started tackling civil reforms and purges of all things associated with the Ottoman Empire. He ultimately led a successful War of Independence against the Allies from 1919 to 1923 and declared the founding of the Republic of Turkey on the 29 October, 1923.
The proclamation of the Republic of Turkey signaled the end of the Ottoman Empire and the start of a completely new era for the country. Pasha, later known as Ataturk or ‘Father of Turks’, placed Turkey under his rule as its first President. He changed the country’s flag, hymn, and several other national symbols and went on to extend compulsory education, reduce unemployment, and modernize Turkish industry.
Significance and Meaning
For the nation of Turkey, Republic Day Eve or Cumhuriyet Bayramı is of great nationalistic and patriotic significance, marking their liberation from imperial rule. The holiday celebrates the accomplishment of achieving a democratic government after the long and challenging struggle to end the Ottoman Empire.
For modern-day Turks, the holiday holds tremendous symbolic relevance as it symbolizes not only the founding of the Republic but also the broad range of accomplishments made by Ataturk such as social and economic reforms that effectively modernized the country and in effect, lifted it to a better future.
Traditions and Celebrations
Republic Day Eve is a major public holiday in Turkey and usually celebrated with great spirit and enthusiasm. On the 28th of October, the streets of Ankara turn into a festive boulevard with moving processions adorned with flags and live music. The day starts with the musical performance of the national anthem at 6 am. Memorial services for the martyrs of the War of Independence are held at all mosques in the country.
Families and friends come together on this day to show their appreciation for the Republic of Turkey and celebrate its glorious history. Celebrations often involve elaborate dinners, where traditional Turkish dishes are served and made with local local ingredients. Fireworks and cultural performances, including modern art openings and traditional dance performances, are also popular.
Commemorative events, organized by both the government and private institutions, to celebrate the accomplishment of the founding of the Republic are also organized throughout the nation. The government typically funds public figures to speak at grand gatherings organized in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. The two-day celebration also includes parades and musical concerts in parks and public squares.
Geographical Spread
Republic Day Eve is a national holiday that is celebrated in every corner of Turkey. However, the celebrations tend to be a lot more extravagant and joyous in western cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
The celebrations also spread to the Turkish diaspora, especially in Europe and North America. The city of London, for instance, becomes the center of the nation’s Overseas presence during the holiday with multiple events and activities planned by the British Turkish community.
The celebration of the holiday also varies slightly from region to region, with some parts of the nation bringing their own unique flavor to the festivities. In Eastern parts of Turkey such as Diyarbakir, for instance, celebrations tend to be quicker and more fish-focused than in the rest of the nation.
Modern Day Observations
The celebrations take on a more modern form these days with the younger generations a major part of the celebrations. University students and young people have started to explore the festivities in more contemporary ways, such as through music shows, street fests, and dance performances. Even the traditional gatherings tend to have more of a global and modern influence with several foreign guests randomly invited to these gatherings to enjoy traditional Turkish meals and celebrations.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
• Republic Day Eve marks the 99th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
• The holiday features great festivities, with people swapping national costumes and singing traditional Turkish songs and hymns.
• The holiday is celebrated by singing the first two verses of the national anthem along with a uniform salute, all performed at 6 am.
• Festivities usually last up to 48 hours, with some even extending into the 31st of October until the early hours of the next morning.
• Superintendent of National Education Mustafa Kemal Pasha suggested the new name of the republic in 1923. He preferred the name of ‘Turkey’ over ‘Anatolia’, a name already popular among the people of the region.
• During the holiday, Turks cook traditional meals, such as lamb stew and stuffed vegetables, and make festive decorations to adorn their homes and honor the memory of the beloved leader, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
• Every year, the official greeting of the holiday is the same and is usually read aloud in public venues: ‘May the Republic of Turkey be blessed with further progress and prosperity in prosperity and friendship.’
• The national flag is hung up in every corner of the nation as a sign of respect.
• Turkish currency will be printed with an image of Atatürk every year to mark the celebration.
• Turks commemorate the holiday with uplifting speeches about the Republic’s progress and success.
• There is even a firework display in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara to mark Republic Day Eve.
• People also wear badges with Atatürk’s picture to show their respect and admiration for the Father of Turks.
Holiday Wishes
• Have an uplifting Republic Day Eve!
• Best wishes to the Republic of Turkey on its special day!
• May the Republic of Turkey remain prosperous!
• Celebrate Republic Day with joy and pride!
• Wishing you all a happy Republic Day Eve!
Holiday Messages
• May the spirit of Republic Day Eve fill all the hearts with love for Turkey.
• On this special day, may the Republic of Turkey be blessed with perpetual prosperity and advancement.
• May the special spirit of Republic Day Eve bring us together and strengthen our sense of national pride.
• On Republic Day Eve, let us collectively thank Atatürk for his commitment to a modern, democratic Turkey.
• On this annual celebration, let us take a moment to honor the country’s heritage and express our love for the nation.
Holiday Quotes
• “The great Leader of our nation, Atatürk, said that the Republic is the outcome of the spirit of a nation, and it is every citizen’s duty to safeguard and honor it.” – Recep Tayyip Erdogan
• “Today our Republic is 99 years old. She is like an eternal rock that will stand unshaken, regardless of the droughts and storms that come.” – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
• “Long live our noble Republic which gave us our freedom and our pride.” – Public Declaration of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
• “A nation without a Republic of its own cannot achieve any material or spiritual perfection.” – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
• “The Republic of Turkey is a blessing to the world and our people, and it’s our duty to protect and cherish our Republic with all our heart.” – Ahmet Davutoglu
Other Popular Holiday Info
The day is also celebrated with the presentation of awards and medals to people who have contributed to the country’s progress. Republic Day marks the beginning of the annual Turkish Culture Week, which runs through November 4, and the international art festival TRKFestival, which runs through November 11. The holiday is seen as an opportunity for the nation to strengthen their national unity and solidarity.
It is also celebrated by people of all ages with cultural activities, music, and the eating of traditional Turkish foods such as Baklava. The Republic’s proclamation created a celebration which Turks across the world enjoy today. Republic Day Eve is full of civic pride, remembrance of martyrs, and joyous celebrations for the nation’s progress.
Republic Day Eve in Turkey Also Called
Kurban Bayramı.
FUN FACT:
In year 1923, Republic Day Eve in Turkey is celebrated on October 28 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!

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