Republic Day in Turkey is one of the country's most significant national holidays. Observed on October 29th, it commemorates the proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. The date marks the anniversary of when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the revered founding father of modern Turkey, declared the country a republic following the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Unlike the previous system where the Sultan held total authority, the newly formed republic set the country on a path to democracy with a constitution emphasizing the sovereignty of the people.
Ceremonies and cultural programs are held nationwide on Republic Day, with particular grandeur in the country's capital, Ankara, and the cultural hub, Istanbul. Public and private buildings, homes, and even streets are often decorated with the Turkish flag and portraits of Ataturk. It is a day off for the general population, whereby schools and businesses are closed. The day starts with gun salutes in the morning followed by the official ceremony at Ataturk’s Mausoleum in Ankara. Marches, music concerts, and fireworks are generally part of the festive celebrations.
Republic Day emphasizes Turkey's transformation from a splintered empire to a modern nation-state and is a source of great pride and joy for the country's citizens. The Republic Post Office traditionally issues new stamps or postcards featuring patriotic content for Republic Day, and many Turks send these to friends and family to commemorate the holiday. People also express their pride through Turkish songs and dances, and many write poems or stories about the Turkish Republic's formation and growth. All in all, Republic Day serves as a vibrant reminder of Turkey's historical journey and its commitment to sovereignty and democratic values.