Erdogan Marks Türkiye’s 102nd Republic Anniversary, Vows to Keep the Nation ‘Everlasting’

ANKARA, Oct 29: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye on Wednesday, pledging unwavering commitment to national unity, independence, and the country’s long-term vision of strength and progress under the “Century of Türkiye” initiative.

In a message released by the Presidency of Türkiye, Erdogan said his administration was “working with all its strength to keep the Republic of Türkiye everlasting,” emphasizing the country’s enduring resilience built on a rich state tradition and generations of sacrifice.

“The Republic of Türkiye is the final roof of our selfless nation that clung with all its strength to freedom and independence despite hardships and deprivation  the last link in our chain of states,” he declared.

Erdogan paid tribute to the nation’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and generations of martyrs who secured Türkiye’s independence.

“I commemorate with mercy the heroes who, for centuries, have made these lands our homeland with their blood and their lives,” he said.

The president warned against forces seeking to undermine the country’s unity and social cohesion, vowing to resist all external and internal threats.

“Without giving credit to those who trade in chaos and target our national solidarity, we will continue to overcome obstacles and foil the plots of those pursuing expansionist ambitions,” he affirmed.

Erdogan outlined key priorities under the Century of Türkiye vision, a national development plan focused on economic modernization, technological advancement, and security stability.

“In line with our Century of Türkiye goals, we are making groundbreaking strides in every field,” he said, pledging to build “a terror-free Türkiye where our 86 million citizens will live in peace.”

He also highlighted the country’s growing diplomatic and humanitarian role in global affairs.

“We will continue to defend justice in the face of global crises and ensure that Türkiye remains a voice for peace and fairness,” Erdogan added.

The Republic Day celebrations began with a solemn ceremony at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, where Erdogan laid a wreath adorned with the national crescent and star. The ceremony included a moment of silence followed by the Turkish national anthem.

Erdogan later visited the Misak-i Milli Tower, which commemorates the National Pact of 1920, a cornerstone of the Turkish independence struggle.

In the Anıtkabir Memorial Guestbook, the president wrote:

“We are working with full determination to elevate the Republic of Türkiye, founded 102 years ago through great sacrifices, to the level of contemporary civilizations and beyond. While enhancing our country’s global prestige, we continue our domestic investment and development efforts without interruption.”

He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to its long-term national path despite challenges:

“No matter how broad the attacks against us may become, we will not deviate from our path. We will entrust a great and strong Türkiye as our greatest legacy to our children.”

Concluding his message, Erdogan extended Republic Day greetings to citizens across Türkiye and abroad:

“May the 102nd anniversary of our Republic be blessed. Together, we will build a great, strong, and prosperous Türkiye  respected around the world and a leader in its region.”