National day
On 29 October, Türkiye celebrates the proclamation of the Republic in 1923 with flags, ceremonies, parades and fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Photo: Igor Sporynin / Unsplash
29 October every year
Across Türkiye, with the largest fireworks display in Istanbul.
Hang a flag, watch a parade or school ceremony, and enjoy concerts and fireworks in the evening.
Cumhuriyet Bayramımız kutlu olsun!: Happy Republic Day!
On 29 October 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk declared that Türkiye was a republic, and its official name was proclaimed as Türkiye Cumhuriyeti, the Republic of Türkiye. The Grand National Assembly then elected Atatürk as the first President. Republic Day, Cumhuriyet Bayramı, is a public holiday that marks the founding of the modern state.
Celebrations begin in the days before, as red flags with the white crescent and star appear on buildings, balconies and streets. Official celebrations traditionally begin at 1 pm on 28 October and continue for 35 hours, and decorations such as streamers and balloons are usually red and white, the colours of the flag. On the day, official ceremonies take place across the country, and many schools hold performances, poetry readings and flag ceremonies. Parades are often held in the morning, while concerts and fireworks follow in the evening in parks, fairgrounds and town squares, frequently accompanied by patriotic songs such as the 10th Anniversary March. Istanbul hosts the largest fireworks display in the country, usually over the Bosphorus, with other large displays in Ankara and İzmir. Each year more than a hundred thousand people visit Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum in Ankara. Many families spend the holiday together, joining public events or watching the celebrations on television. How people take part varies by city and family.
For many families, Republic Day is a moment of pride and togetherness, with the evening fireworks a highlight for younger family members.
Mark Republic Day at home:
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Expect crowds and some road closures around parade routes and fireworks sites, especially in Istanbul and Ankara. Arrive early for a good view of the fireworks. Many government offices are closed for the holiday, while shops and restaurants are often open.
The proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye on 29 October 1923.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk proclaimed the Republic and became its first President.
Celebrations take place across the country. Istanbul hosts the largest fireworks display.
