Istanbul, 30 October 2023 (TDI): Turkey celebrated the 100th anniversary of its modern, secular republic’s establishment on October 29th. The commemorative events in Istanbul featured a firework and drone show, along with a procession of 100 navy ships.
However, the celebrations were relatively subdued, devoid of a lavish gala reception. These modest festivities followed a devastating earthquake that resulted in the loss of 50,000 lives and occurred simultaneously with the Israeli-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.
President Erdogan addressed the nation, symbolizing the year of the republic’s proclamation and expressing gratitude to Ataturk and other founding figures while highlighting his accomplishments during his 20-year rule.
Following his speech, President Erdogan announced via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Monday would be declared a school holiday in honor of the centennial.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan extends its warmest congratulations to the people and government of the Republic of Turkiye on the occasion of their Republic Day.
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, extended warm congratulations on behalf of the American people to the people of Turkey as they commemorate the centenary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.
Turkish Airlines inaugurated its direct flights between Istanbul and Colombo on October 29, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, the Turkish Embassy in El Salvador illuminated the historic National Palace of El Salvador and the prominent business center, Millenium Plaza, with the colors of the Turkish flag.
On the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, Triton Fountain, situated in the heart of Malta, was illuminated in red and white on Sunday night.
Celebrating a century of remarkable achievements, Turkey’s 100th-anniversary festivities marked a legacy of progress in the realms of science, technology, and unity.
This milestone allowed the nation to reflect on its illustrious history while embracing the promise of a brighter future.
As part of these celebrations, SOLOTURK, the esteemed aerobatic demonstration team of the Turkish Air Force, showcased their skills with a breathtaking demonstration flight over Anitkabir.
The revered mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic.
Another standout moment in the centennial celebration was the historic voyage of the TCG Anadolu, Turkey’s largest domestically produced warship, which sailed across the Istanbul Strait.
This monumental journey was an emblematic gesture marking the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, was present to witness this significant event as the TCG Anadolu led a procession of 100 warships through the Istanbul Strait alongside a magnificent parade of airplanes and helicopters.
The excitement continued to build with SOLOTURK’s captivating airshow, which followed the impressive parade of the Turkish Stars, another renowned aerobatic team.
These skilled aviators added an extra layer of spectacle to the centennial celebration, delighting the crowds and underscoring Turkey’s commitment to excellence and precision.
Türkiye’s achievements extended beyond the skies and the seas, as the nation’s first domestic electric cars, known as TOGGs, made their presence felt during the celebrations.
The T10X users joined in a memorable event dubbed the “100th Anniversary TOGG Convoy,” which saw these cutting-edge electric vehicles crossing the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in Istanbul.
This highlighted Turkey’s progress in the automotive industry, aligning with the country’s vision for a sustainable and innovative future.
At the Sivrihisar Aviation Center in Eskisehir, the centennial celebrations reached a heartfelt climax as participants formed the number ‘100’ while standing around an aerobatic plane, proudly waving Turkish flags.
This collective display of patriotism symbolized the unity and spirit of the Turkish people, underscoring the profound significance of the 100-year journey from the nation’s illustrious past to the bright promises of its future.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a World War I hero, proclaimed the Turkish Republic on October 29, 1923. He implemented significant reforms to establish a secular, Western-style democracy.
Including abolishing the caliphate, changing the script to the Latin alphabet, and granting women the right to vote. Ataturk remains highly regarded in Turkey, with his image displayed in schools, offices, and homes.
The country observes a minute of silence on the anniversary of his death, and his signature symbolizes his lasting legacy.
Turkey’s culture is a rich tapestry, a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences that have converged over centuries.
Serving as a historic bridge between these two regions, the country’s culture is a vibrant and diverse amalgamation of traditions, modern dynamics, and the contributions of its myriad ethnic and religious groups.
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The culinary delights of Turkey stand out as a prominent facet of its culture. Turkish cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients and its unique juxtaposition of sweet and savory flavors.
The cuisine’s diversity is equally notable, spanning from succulent kebabs to delectable pastries.
The diverse ethnic and religious communities of Turkey have influenced this culinary tradition, and a delightful variety of sauces and spices frequently accompany its dishes.
Music holds a special place in Turkish culture. It is an artful fusion of traditional and contemporary styles, frequently employed to mark special occasions.
Traditional Turkish music sets the tone for weddings and other ceremonial events, while modern Turkish music enlivens nightclubs and various venues.
The artistry of Turkey is equally captivating. Turkish art, which frequently incorporates elements of Islamic and Byzantine art, is characterized by intricate designs and a vibrant color palette.
These artistic expressions adorn homes and structures, providing an essential channel for creativity and cultural identity.
Turkish is the majority of the population’s official language, and language plays a significant role in Turkish culture.
As a Turkic language, it shares connections with Azerbaijani, Kazakh, and Uzbek. Written in the Latin alphabet, Turkish is versatile, finding application in various contexts.
Religion is an integral part of Turkish culture. While the country officially adheres to secularism, the majority of the population practices Islam, with the country’s official religion being Islam.
However, Turkey also welcomes Christianity and Judaism, and several other religious groups coexist within its borders.
In essence, Turkish culture is a captivating mosaic that thrives on its distinctive cuisine, music, art, language, and religious practices. These elements harmoniously converge, forging a unique and enthralling cultural identity.
