Turkey marks Republic Day with great enthusiasm

Turkey is marking the 98th anniversary of the republic's founding day with a series of events across the country today, from concerts to dance performances, light shows, exhibitions and conferences.

The first official ceremony for the day was held in Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, with a wreath-laying and a minute of silence rituals with the participation of top officials.

Celebrations will continue with small-scale ceremonies organized by local authorities in which participants will have to wear protective face masks and follow social distancing rules across the country.

Turkish president marks Republic Day

On the eve of Friday, Oct. 29, Republic Day, Turkey's president sent a congratulatory message to the nation marking the 98th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.

"I congratulate our citizens, living at home and abroad, and all our friends, who share our pride on this day, which is one of the golden links of our glorious history, on the occasion of 29 October Republic Day," Erdoğan said in a video message.

Erdoğan also commemorated with gratitude Ghazi (honored veteran) Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the republic, and his gallant brothers in arms, who ensured victory in the Turkish War of Independence, "wishing Allah's mercy upon our august martyrs who entrusted these lands to us at the cost of their lives."

The day before, streets and avenues were adorned with Turkish flags and posters while municipalities put up advertisements for concerts to be held at night on the cities' main squares.

In line with the Republic Day celebrations, numerous events in Istanbul are expected to appeal to all kinds of tastes of music lovers. Kenan...