The key facts

  • Erdogan congratulated the citizens of Türkiye, Turkish Cypriots and compatriots abroad on the 103rd anniversary of the Republic
  • According to him, Türkiye maintains stability and takes responsibility for resolving disputes amid wars and crises
  • The president described the progress of the last 24 years — from the defense industry to diplomacy — as milestones on the path to 'an influential and prosperous Türkiye'

Address on the occasion of Republic Day

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a video address on Thursday, October 29, marking the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye. He congratulated 'our beloved nation,' the Turkish Cypriots, as well as citizens of the country living in various parts of the world, and thanked the guests of Turkish diplomatic missions abroad for sharing in the joy of the national holiday. The Turkish news agency Anadolu reported this.

Stability amid crises

According to Erdogan, while wars, conflicts and crises unfold in Türkiye's immediate neighborhood and around the world, the country maintains stability and takes responsibility for resolving disputes. He emphasized that Türkiye will continue to work for peace and justice under the motto 'Peace at home, peace in the world.'

The Republic as a testament to national will

Erdogan called the republic 'the strongest testament' to the Turkish nation's determination to live freely, its aspiration to remain independent and to shape its own future. The national struggle led by the republic's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, he noted, showed the world what a united nation can achieve even in the harshest conditions. The president also paid tribute to Ataturk, his comrades-in-arms, the heroes of the National Struggle and fallen soldiers, and expressed gratitude to veterans.

The results of 24 years and the 'Turkish Century'

Turning to the present day, Erdogan stated that the determination demonstrated by the nation 'exactly 103 years ago' remains one of the main sources of motivation. He characterized the progress of the last 24 years — in defense industry, energy, transportation and diplomacy — as milestones on the path to 'an influential and prosperous Türkiye.' According to him, a country that develops its own technologies, expands its defense capabilities, strengthens energy security and modernizes its transport infrastructure is confidently moving toward a stronger future. Erdogan added that 86 million people united by shared values will bring the vision of the 'Turkish Century' (Türkiye Yüzyılı) to life, and expressed confidence that tomorrow Türkiye will be 'much stronger, more respected and more influential in all areas.'