The 102nd anniversary celebrations of the Republic of Türkiye in Samsun began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Atatürk Monument, followed by the “Republic March,” which drew thousands of enthusiastic participants.

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) was represented at the Republic Day celebrations by Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın.

After the moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, Governor Orhan Tavlı delivered a speech emphasizing their ongoing commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous nation in the Republic’s second century:

“With the vision of the Century of Türkiye, we will continue to work in every field to leave future generations a much stronger and more prosperous country they will be proud of.”

Following his address, Governor Tavlı signed the Book of Honor.

Republic March

Organized by the Provincial Directorate of National Education and the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, the Republic March started at the Statue of Honor and ended at Republic Square with the participation of officials, public servants, students, and citizens. During the march, a 1,919-meter-long Turkish flag was carried—a symbolic tribute to the year 1919, when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk launched the War of Independence from Samsun.

After the march, the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality hosted the “Republic Day Event” at Republic Square, where the celebrations continued with great enthusiasm.

The programs were attended by Governor Orhan Tavlı, Garrison Commander Gazi Davut Âlâ, Metropolitan Mayor Halit Doğan, CHP Samsun Deputy Murat Çan, OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, Samsun University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmut Aydın, Coast Guard Black Sea Region Commander Rear Admiral Ahmet Bahadır, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Brigadier General Mustafa Bakçepınar, Provincial Police Chief Ahmet Arıbaş, district mayors, members of the Samsun protocol, and many citizens.

Prof. Dr. Aydın: “I wholeheartedly celebrate our nation’s Republic Day on October 29”

In her Republic Day message, OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın stated:

“As a nation, we celebrate with great pride, enthusiasm, and determination the 102nd anniversary of the proclamation of our Republic. Established under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk through the perseverance and self-sacrifice of our people, the Republic stands as our greatest achievement on the path toward independence, equality, and modernization. This invaluable legacy will continue to flourish through the responsibility, knowledge, effort, and faith of each of us.

At Ondokuz Mayıs University, we continue to uphold the principles of science, reason, and education that form the foundation of our Republic, working with dedication to carry our country toward a stronger and brighter future.

On this occasion, I respectfully commemorate Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, along with all our heroes with gratitude and mercy, and I sincerely celebrate our cherished nation’s Republic Day on October 29.”