Turkey marks century of Independence
A century ago, on October 29, 1923, Turkey officially proclaimed its independence and, in honor of Republic Day, various ceremonies, parades, and other activities will be held across the nation this Sunday.
Ottoman empire's rise and expansion
The history traces back to the Ottoman Turks' arrival in Anatolia during the early 13th century, where they established dominance over Turkish and Mongolian tribes. Their empire expanded from the Persian Gulf in the east to the outskirts of Vienna in the west.
The decline of power
The Ottoman empire significantly declined after World War I. The Turkish decline started in 1571 when the Turkish Navy suffered defeat in the Siege of Vienna. Subsequently, Turkish power further diminished during the Turkish-Russian War of 1877-1878.
Atatürk's leadership in Turkish independence
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, general of the Turkish forces, left Istanbul May 15, 1919, and traveled to Samsun. Four days later he began the independence war in Anatolia. Atatürk founded the grand national assembly April 23, 1920, during the war of independence, and was elected the GNA chairman.
The Treaty of Lausanne
The Treaty of Lausanne, signed by Turkey and the allied forces, was a political victory that freed the country from foreign rule. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk made the decision to name the country's news form of government after consulting with his friends on October 28, 1923. The next day, the Turkish state was proclaimed the Republic of Türkiye.
A low-key celebration of the centennial
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government has chosen to have a subdued celebration of the centennial. This decision comes after a devastating earthquake that claimed 50,000 lives and coincides with the Israeli-Hamas conflict, which has stirred tensions in the Middle East.
Republic Day events
Erdogan will adhere to the customary procedure of laying a wreath at Ataturk's mausoleum and greeting a procession of ambassadors and high-ranking officials at his palace. He will later journey to Istanbul to watch a procession of military ships on the Bosporus. During his speech, Erdogan is expected to emphasize the accomplishments of his government over the last two decades.
Erdogan at pro-Palestinian rally
Turkish President Erdogan addressed a massive pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul on October 28. He called Israel 'an occupier' in its war in Gaza and further said, "I reiterate that Hamas is not a terrorist organisation".
Centennial celebrations across Turkey
People in Turkey will host private celebrations and gatherings in restaurants or homes. Municipalities governed by opposition parties are coordinating concerts and processions. Renowned figures like pop star Tarkan and classical pianist Fazil Say have composed marches to commemorate the event.
Turkey's century of challenges and transformation
Turkey experienced military takeovers, economic turmoil, and a series of unstable governments. At present, it grapples with numerous challenges, such as the ongoing conflict with Kurdish insurgents. The recent switch from a parliamentary system to a presidential one has also weakened the system of checks and balances, concentrating power in the hands of the president.