Every October 29^th Türkiye raises the flags in celebration of Republic Day, Türkiye’s most important holiday. It is the day that commemorates the official creation of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923. Republic Day in Türkiye is a national holiday, so government buildings, banks, schools and some businesses will be closed. Each October 29th the country joins together to mark the occasion with parades, concerts and celebrations across the country.

Republic Day in Türkiye (October 29^th)

Republic Day in Türkiye is known locally as Cumhuriyet Bayramı. It is an important date marking the end of the Ottoman Empire in 1923, and it’s also the day that Mustafa Kemal was voted the first President of the Republic of Türkiye.

The history behind Republic Day in Türkiye

Türkiye celebrates Republic Day each year for good reason. Although Türkiye had been a republic since the establishment of the Grand National Assembly on April 23^rd 1920, it’s official status wasn’t internationally recognised until October 29^th 1923.

Following World War 1, most of the Ottoman Empire in Türkiye was under Allied rule. People felt frustrated by the government’s inability to fight the occupation, so many chose to join the resistance movement which led to the Turkish War of Independence that lasted from 1919 to 1923.  It was Mustafa Kemal that led the movement to victory and finally freed the country from occupation in July 1923. It was then that the modern borders of Türkiye were officially recognised by the Treaty of Lausanne, and the Republic of Türkiye declared.

It’s the formation of the Republic of Türkiye that has led to the Türkiye we know and love today. Mustafa Kemal was the driving force behind the uprisings and a highly-regarded, so the obvious choice as President. Following his election, Mustafa Kemal introduced many significant economic, political, and social reforms that led to him being given the name “Atatürk”, meaning “Father of the Turk’s” in 1934. This is how he is most often referred to today. It was Mustafa Kemal’s foresight and determination that formed modern-day Türkiye and his legacy is still celebrated. Cruise along the coast and visit almost any city, town or village in Türkiye and you will see statues, streets, buildings and schools all named or dedicated to his life and achievements.

What happens on Republic Day in Türkiye.

Republic Day in Türkiye lasts for 35 hours starting on the afternoon of October 28th. It is a national holiday, so schools, banks, government buildings and many offices will be shut. Television channels screen special films and documentaries, school children put on performances, there are parades in the streets and fireworks at major landmarks.

If you are cruising in Türkiye during this period, it’s is a good idea to get any official paperwork done before October 28th or organise any banking before Republic Day celebrations. Ask us for assistance if necessary.

Republic Day Celebrations 2020

Unfortunately, the celebrations in Türkiye during 2020 will be far more low-key. Due to the pandemic, the large celebrations and public gatherings typically held on Republic Day in Türkiye are going to be limited. However, you will still notice the flags flying high in celebration of this important event Mustafa Kemal Atatürk himself declared as “the most important of celebrations”.

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