Türkiye Marks 103 Years of Republic as Erdoğan Sets Out Message on Peace and Independence

In a Republic Day message, President Erdoğan says Türkiye is maintaining stability while taking greater responsibility for resolving disputes. The Turkish Embassy in Abuja will mark the anniversary with an evening reception.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Türkiye is marking the 103rd anniversary of its Republic today, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan saying the country is maintaining stability amid wars and crises while taking greater responsibility for resolving disputes.

In a video message marking Republic Day, Erdoğan congratulated the Turkish nation, Turkish Cypriots and citizens living abroad, describing the Republic as a symbol of the Turkish people’s determination to live freely, remain independent and shape their own future.

He said Türkiye would continue pursuing peace and justice, invoking the principle of “Peace in the world, peace in the region and peace at home”.

Erdoğan also pointed to what he described as advances in defence, energy, transport and industrial production, saying Türkiye would continue working towards its “Century of Türkiye” vision.

The anniversary was marked in Ankara with a state ceremony at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic. Erdoğan led senior state officials in laying a wreath and paying tribute to Atatürk and those who fought in the Turkish War of Independence.

The Republic was proclaimed by the Grand National Assembly on 29 October 1923, following the Turkish War of Independence. Republic Day is observed annually on 29 October, with official ceremonies and public celebrations across the country.

The anniversary also coincides with the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, which Türkiye is hosting in Ankara. The leaders’ summit is scheduled for Friday, while the organisation’s foreign ministers are meeting on Thursday.

In Nigeria, the Turkish Embassy in Abuja will host an evening reception to mark the anniversary, bringing together members of the diplomatic community, Turkish citizens and Nigerian partners.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Mehmet Poroy, heads the embassy, which is accredited to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States. The embassy’s official calendar lists 29 October as Turkish National Day.

Flash News