Commemorating the centenary of the Republic of Türkiye: President Tatar signs the special memorial book at the 'October 29 Republic Day' ceremony
“The declaration of the Republic of Türkiye is a military, diplomatic and political victory”
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The centenary of the declaration of the Republic of Türkiye is being marked across the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus – the first ceremony of which was held at the Atatürk Monument in Lefkoşa this morning, where President Ersin Tatar led the participants.
Turkish Cypriot People are commemorating the "October 29 Republic Day", which is a very important anniversary of when the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, declared the foundation of the Republic in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, exactly 100 years ago.
The ceremony in Lefkoşa commenced with the laying of wreaths in order of protocol, followed by a minute’s silence as respect for the martyrs, and the playing of the national anthem to which the flags of the Republic of Türkiye and TRNC were hoisted.
The ceremony ended with the signing of the memorial special book.
President Ersin Tatar wrote the following in the Special Memorial Book:
“Few events in history have determined the course of subsequent events. When we look back 100 years, we understand that the declaration of the Republic of Türkiye is one such significant event.
The Turkish War of Independence, waged by the great Turkish nation under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk that resisted all the tricks and games played by the expansionist states and great powers on the lands of the weakened Ottoman Empire, demonstrated the nation’s determination, resolve and strength for survival.
The declaration of the Republic of Türkiye was the final stage in the national struggle for freedom and independence of the Turkish nation. It is a military, diplomatic and political victory.
The great leader Ataturk said "independence is my character" and this trait was indeed exemplified to the soul of the Turkish nation on which the Republic of Türkiye, which celebrates its 100th anniversary today, was founded.
As the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot People, we continue to keep alive this fire of independence which we had carried within us when we came from Anatolia to the Island of Cyprus.
This notion of independence and freedom, which was the essence of the spirit of a nation who entered Anatolia from Central Asia, was also expressed by Mehmet Akif Ersoy in our National Anthem with the line "what madman shall put me in chains".
Motherland Türkiye, which advances towards the future through pioneering technology, gives confidence to us with its defence capabilities, and provides peace and security with its existence. Located near the Island of Cyprus, Türkiye is an indispensable element for stability in the region and our country.
Just as we, the Turkish Cypriots, are happy with the Republic of Türkiye who has always taken the side of justice in every dispute from Korea to Cyprus, from Libya to Karabakh, and from Palestine to Bosnia, my wish is for Allah to be pleased with all the leaders of Türkiye, particularly Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
I once again commemorate Republic Day of the Republic of Türkiye, express my commemorations to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and I hope that on this 100th anniversary, the Centenary of 'Republic of Türkiye' will turn into a 'Turkish Century' together with all our compatriots.
The Turkish Cypriot People are grateful to the Republic of Türkiye.”