Türkiye’s Republic Day: Commemorating founding of nation on Oct. 29
People visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Turkish Republic's Founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, during the celebrations of the 101st Anniversary of the Turkish Republic Day, Ankara, October 29, 2024 (AA Photo)
Oct. 29, celebrated as Republic Day, marks the formal establishment of the Republic of Türkiye. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Türkiye’s founding leader, introduced this national holiday as a legacy for future generations.
On this day in 1923, a landmark amendment in the Turkish Parliament defined Türkiye’s governance as a republic. This momentous decision was commemorated with a 101-gun salute, underscoring the importance of the event.
What happened on Oct. 29, 1923?
The Ottoman Empire operated as an absolute monarchy until 1876, then as a constitutional monarchy until its defeat in World War I. Following the Empire’s collapse, Turkish national forces, led by Mustafa Kemal, launched the War of Independence, achieving victory in October 1922.
Turkish Parliament was established on April 23, 1920, and on Jan. 20, 1921, the Fundamental Law (Teski̇lat-i Esasi̇ye Kanunu) asserted national sovereignty. On Nov. 1, 1922, the sultanate was abolished, marking the end of Ottoman rule.
On Oct. 27, 1923, following the resignation of the Council of Ministers and an impasse in forming a new cabinet, Mustafa Kemal and Ismet Inonu prepared a constitutional amendment proposing a republican form of government. The assembly adopted the amendment on Oct. 29, 1923, formally establishing the republic.
Proclamation of republic
After Türkiye’s victory in the War of Independence, a new government structure was essential to secure the nation’s future. Ataturk and his colleagues concluded that a republic was the most fitting choice. On Oct. 29, 1923, the Republic of Türkiye was officially declared, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s governance.
This year is the 101st anniversary of the declaration of the republic.
Designating Oct. 29 as national holiday
Initially, Oct. 29 was not designated as a national holiday. However, spontaneous public celebrations occurred on Oct. 29 and 30 in 1923. On Oct. 26, 1924, a decree established Republic Day with a 101-gun salute, creating a tradition for future commemorations.
On Feb. 2, 1925, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed a bill to recognize Oct. 29 as a national holiday. Approved by Parliament’s Constitution Committee and enacted on April 18, 1925, the “Law on the Consideration of October 29 as a National Holiday for the Proclamation of the Republic” formally established the observance. Since 1925, Republic Day has been celebrated across Türkiye and by Turkish embassies worldwide.
