BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
The 103rd Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey was celebrated with great enthusiasm and national pride at an impressive ceremony hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye. The event was graced by distinguished diplomats, government officials, and members of the media fraternity. Among the notable attendees were the Ambassadors of Qatar, Bahrain, the Chargé d’Affaires of Saudi Arabia, and several other dignitaries representing friendly nations.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of Türkiye, followed by a warm address by H.E. Mr. Ali Murat Ersoy, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to India. In his speech, Ambassador Ali Murat spoke about Turkey’s inspiring journey of independence and development under the visionary leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He highlighted the transformation of Turkey from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire into a modern, dynamic, and globally respected nation.
A special message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was flashed on the screen, in which the President extended heartfelt greetings to Turkish citizens worldwide and friends of Türkiye across the globe. President Erdoğan, in his message, recalled the heroic struggle of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his companions who laid the foundation of the Republic in 1923. He emphasized that modern Türkiye stands as a proud continuation of that legacy, strong, independent, and prosperous.
The President underlined his government’s commitment to peace, development, and diplomacy, affirming Türkiye’s determination to contribute to regional stability and international cooperation. “Türkiye today continues to make strides in science, technology, economy, and defense, upholding the principles of democracy and national unity,” the message stated.
Ambassador Ali Murat also expressed his gratitude to India for its continued friendship and growing bilateral relations with Türkiye, noting that cultural exchanges, trade partnerships, and tourism have strengthened significantly in recent years. A highlight of the evening was a lucky draw for an all-expenses-paid tour of Türkiye, which created much excitement among the guests.
The celebration was followed by a grand dinner showcasing authentic Turkish delicacies. The mouth-watering spread included traditional favorites such as kebabs, meze, and the world-famous baklava, which remained the star attraction of the night. The event beautifully reflected the spirit of Turkish hospitality, cultural richness, and national pride, leaving the attendees with a deep sense of admiration for the Republic of Türkiye and its remarkable journey over the past century.
