Turkish Consulate in Gümülcine hosts 103rd Republic Day reception in Western Thrace
The Turkish Consulate General in Gümülcine hosted a reception in Yassıköy (Iasmos) on October 29 to mark the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, with a large turnout from the Turkish community in Western Thrace.
The reception took place at an event venue in Yassıköy, in the Rhodope region, beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening. Members of the Turkish community travelled from different parts of Western Thrace to attend the celebration.
NATIONAL ANTHEMS OPEN THE RECEPTION
Deputy Consul Ali Tosun and his wife, Emine Tosun, welcomed guests at the entrance and received their congratulations. The programme began with the national anthems of Türkiye and Greece.
A video message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan marking Republic Day was then shown to attendees.
In his address, Deputy Consul Tosun welcomed guests and recalled that the Republic was proclaimed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on October 29, 1923, with the declaration “Long live the Republic.”
He paid tribute to the founder of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, veterans and those who lost their lives in the struggle for independence.
Tosun said that over the past 103 years, Türkiye had made progress in areas including democratic governance, economic development, global diplomacy and social transformation. He described the country as a strong, confident, responsible and active member of the international community.
TOSUN: WESTERN THRACE TURKS ARE A BRIDGE OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES
Addressing members of the Turkish community in Western Thrace, Tosun conveyed that Türkiye regarded them as a source of enrichment for Greece and as a bridge of friendship, culture and shared ties between the two countries.
He underlined the importance of preserving their identity, culture and language and passing them on to future generations.
Tosun also said that the Consulate General would continue to take steps on every platform to help address the community's expectations, adding that Türkiye would remain by their side.
The reception concluded with commemorative photographs, bringing together members of the Turkish community and other guests to celebrate the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.
