Turkey celebrates Republic Day

Sunday, October 29 2006 @ 08:42 AM Central Standard Time

Turks in Ankara, Istanbul and across the country on Sunday celebrated the 83rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic.

Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan, Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc and various Turkish officials including Turkish General Staff officer Yasar Buyukanit put wreaths on the mausoleum of the Turkish Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in Ankara

The commemoration in Istanbul was lead by Istanbul Governor Muammar Guler, Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas and various government and military officials were also in attendance.

Turkish President Ahmed Necdet Sezer said, The principle of secularism is the cornerstone of the transformation process launched by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on October 29, 1923 when he proclaimed the Turkish Republic on the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. We are very happy to reach the 83rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic. We are aware of Republic’s profits more. We are proud of our past. Turkish people always committed to your principles and revolution. Making concessions about the gains and principles of the Turkish Republic is unthinkable."

http://www.turks.us/article.php?story=TurkeycelebratesRepublicDay