Türkiye’s Republic Day celebrated with enthusiasm in Western Thrace
The 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Western Thrace. The Consulate General of Türkiye in Gümülcine hosted a reception to mark Republic Day, drawing significant participation from the local Turkish community.
The Republic Day Reception took place on Wednesday evening, October 29, at an event hall in Yassıköy, Rodopi. The program, which began at 7:00 p.m., was attended by numerous community members from across Western Thrace.
Consul General of Türkiye in Gümülcine, Aykut Ünal, and his wife İlayda Ünal welcomed guests at the entrance and received congratulations. The event began with the playing of the national anthems of Türkiye and Greece.
In his speech, Consul General Ünal highlighted the meaning and values of the Republic, stating:
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor to host this Republic Day reception for the third time and to celebrate this day with our friends and community members.
The Republic is a concept too profound to be confined to words and too meaningful to fit in hearts.
It represents a nation’s determination to take charge of its own destiny.
It is the name of living freely under the guidance of reason, science, and conscience.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk envisioned the Republic not only as a system of government but as a project of civilization, a revolution of enlightenment, and an ideal for humanity.
The Republic is the legacy of generations who are free in thought, conscience, and knowledge.
It ensures that men and women can walk side by side toward the same goals.
The Republic is not just the light of the past, but also of the future. And we will protect it with every breath.”
Consul General Ünal also read a message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the occasion of Republic Day.
The reception concluded with refreshments served to the guests, celebrating Turkish culture and the enduring bonds between the Turkish community in Western Thrace and their homeland.
