My dear nation,

Esteemed guests, who share our pride in different countries around the

world,

I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings, respect, and affection.

On this important day, one of the pinnacles of our history abundant in victories, I wholeheartedly congratulate each and every one of our 86 million citizens within our borders, the Turkish Cypriot people, and our brothers and sisters abroad on 29 October Republic Day.

Likewise, on behalf of myself and my nation, I express my gratitude to all our friends who have cultivated together with us our garden of civilization, who have coinherited our common past and cultural heritage, and share our happiness.

Today, we proudly celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the establishment of our Republic. I hope that this important day, which embodies our ideals of independence and future in the unconditional sovereignty of the nation, will be a source of blessing for our country, our nation, and all humanity.

Today, I once again commemorate with gratitude all members of our

veteran Parliament, who led and steered the National Struggle paving the way for the Republic, especially Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of our Republic.

I remember the heroes who, for centuries, made these lands our homeland with their blood and lives, from the first raids in Ahlat and Malazgirt to the Gallipoli Epic, from the War of Independence to the 15 July Resistance, and I wish them Allah’s mercy.

Let me reiterate today once again a truth known to the entire world:

We are a powerful nation as well as a state with deep roots.

The sun and the 16 stars surrounding it on our presidential seal represent our state tradition stretching back thousands of years.

Each of these states, founded on the ideal of “eternity,” is a legend of

honour and glory for our national identity - a symbol of the power and

compassion of our noble nation, which guides the world.

The Republic of Türkiye, on the other hand, stands as the final bastion of our self-sacrificing nation, which held fast to its freedom and independence with all its power in the face of all the hardships, deprivations and difficulties it faced during the most painful days of its history; it is the final link in our chain of states.

With this profound awareness, we are working with all our strength to

safeguard the legacy of our martyrs and veterans and to ensure that the

Republic of Türkiye, rising in brave and resilient hands, lives on eternally. In line with our goals for the Century of Türkiye, which will leave its mark on the century, we are taking ground-breaking strides in every field, from the defence industry to the economy, from education to agriculture, tourism, energy and foreign policy.

We are healing the wounds of the earthquake disaster we suffered on 6

February 2023 and swiftly providing safe homes for our brothers and

sisters affected by the disaster.

Inshallah, by the end of the year, we will have delivered the keys to

453,000 (four hundred fifty three thousand) homes, as promised.

At the same time, we are steadily advancing towards our goal of a terror-free Türkiye where 86 (eighty six) million people can live in peace, security, harmony and prosperity.

Without giving in to the chaos instigators who target our national unity and solidarity, we will, inshallah, continue to overcome obstacles, disrupt their schemes and dash the hopes of those who pursue expansionist ambitions.

On the other hand, at a time when war, conflicts and crises are eroding

universal values, Türkiye is working with all its might for a “more just world” with its identity as a defender of rights and truth.

In Gaza and Palestine, as well as many other crisis regions, we are striving to stop the bloodshed, heal the wounds, and open the way to lasting peace through our mediation efforts, diplomatic initiatives, and humanitarian aid.

Guided by our 360-degree foreign policy vision, inspired by the doubleheaded Seljuk Eagle, we will continue to fulfil every responsibility incumbent upon us with great diligence, in a manner befitting our history and identity.

Together, we will build a Türkiye that is a leading power in its region,

respected in the world, and great, strong and prosperous.

I beseech Allah’s help and protection in our endeavours, and I once again commemorate our honoured martyrs and veterans with mercy and gratitude.

I wholeheartedly congratulate all our citizens, friends and guests who

share our joy on the Republic Day.

Happy 102nd anniversary of our Republic!!

May you all remain in good health…

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan – President of the Republic of Türkiye