* Türkiye’s Embassy in Nigeria joins nationwide celebrations with reception in Abuja.
Türkiye on Thursday, October 29, marked the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the republic with official ceremonies, cultural programmes and public celebrations across the country.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in a video message commemorating the national holiday, declared that Türkiye was growing stronger and more influential, citing advances in defence, energy, transportation and diplomacy.
“Türkiye is, thank God, stronger today than it was yesterday. God willing, tomorrow it will be much stronger, more respected and more influential in every field,” he said.
29 Ekim Cumhuriyet Bayramı Tebriklerini Kabul https://t.co/Uz3Co4rXHu
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) October 29, 2026
The president congratulated Turkish citizens, Turkish Cypriots and nationals living abroad on the occasion, while extending greetings to people who share Türkiye’s cultural and geographical ties.
Erdoğan said Türkiye was maintaining stability and taking responsibility for resolving disputes amid wars, conflicts and crises in its neighbourhood and across the world.
He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace and justice under the motto, “Peace at home, peace in the world.”
From independence to a republic
The Republic of Türkiye was proclaimed on October 29, 1923, by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who became the country’s first president following his election by the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
The declaration followed the Turkish War of Independence, which culminated in the establishment of an independent state after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and foreign occupation attempts following World War I.
Anıtkabir’i Ziyaret https://t.co/4wiHl42H8Q
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) October 29, 2026
The republic ushered in extensive political, legal, educational and social reforms intended to transform the country into a modern nation-state.
On Thursday, Erdoğan visited Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Atatürk, as part of the commemorations in Ankara.
Across Türkiye, national flags adorned homes, workplaces and public spaces, while municipalities organised cultural programmes, concerts and other public events. Parades and fireworks were also scheduled in major cities.
Erdoğan outlines Türkiye’s future
Reflecting on the country’s development over the past 24 years, Erdoğan highlighted efforts to strengthen domestic technology, expand defence capabilities, improve energy security, modernise transport infrastructure and increase production capacity.
He said the country’s population of approximately 86 million would work towards realising the Türkiye Century vision, aimed at building a more prosperous and influential nation.
The president also paid tribute to Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, the heroes of the national struggle and those who died defending the homeland, while expressing gratitude to veterans.
“Happy 103rd anniversary of our republic,” he said.
Turkish Embassy to host reception in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Abuja is also marking the occasion with a National Day reception scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the embassy building.
The event is expected to bring together government officials, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders, cultural figures and friends of Türkiye. Attendance is strictly by invitation.
The annual celebration provides an opportunity to commemorate the founding of the Turkish republic and recognise the country’s national journey, while highlighting its diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
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