October 29 is Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı) in Turkey, celebrating the 1923 proclamation of the Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. As a major national holiday, it marks the end of the Ottoman Empire and the beginning of a modern, secular state, featuring parades, wreath-laying at Anıtkabir, and widespread flag displays.
1787 – The first performance of Mozart's opera Don Giovanni. 1863 – The International Red Cross is formed. 1923 – With the end of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey becomes a republic. 1929 – The stock market crashed as over 16 million shares were dumped amid tumbling prices.
The leader in the Turkish War of Independence, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, became the country's first president on the same day. Many people in Turkey celebrate Republic Day on October 29 by attending performances and participating in traditional processions with flags and musical bands.
29 October Republic Day is a public holiday. 28 October starts at 13.00 and is a public holiday for 1.5 days in total. In 2026, 29 October falls on Thursday.
Why The Ottomans Were GREATEST Middle Eastern Empire In History
What is special about the 28th of October?
On “Ohi Day”, meaning “Day of 'No'”, celebrated on October 28, we commemorate Greece's defiant rejection of a fascist ultimatum during World War II, and the heroic counteroffensive against the subsequent Italian invasion of Greece.
It's “Gün” literally “day” in Turkish, short for gold day or money day – a beloved tradition where people convene regularly to socialize and save together. On the surface, it seems like a casual afternoon gathering over treats; underneath, it's a strong informal savings network.
October 29th is believed to honor Saint Colman of Kilmacduagh died in 632 A.D. This Irish Saint spent a seven-year hermitage in the Burren Forest in a cave in County Clare, Ireland. Saint Colman chose to live in isolation and viewed to have possessed profound spiritual discipline.
Every year World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 th to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke. The day is also observed to raise awareness of the prevention and treatments of strokes.
Victory Day is celebrated across Turkey and in Northern Cyprus and is a celebration of the Turkish Armed Forces. The main celebration is held at Anıtkabir in Ankara, where the President of Turkey leads officials in laying wreaths and then delivers the keynote address.
The Treaty of Lausanne of July 24, 1923, led to the international recognition of the sovereignty of the newly formed “Republic of Turkey” as the successor state of the Ottoman Empire, and the republic was officially proclaimed on October 29, 1923, in the new capital of Ankara.
October 29, Republic Day, marks the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. After Turkey's victory in the War of Independence led by Ataturk, the Turkish Parliament proclaimed the new Turkish state as a republic on 29 October 1923 and Ataturk was unanimously elected as the first president.
As seen in my unfortunate anecdote, head colour is one of the best clues. As the turkey approached, his head was in pale shades of white and blue. These colours typically signal a relaxed bird and are a good indicator that you are well hidden and that the bird is unaware of your presence.
Turkey observes several significant religious holidays, primarily based on the Islamic calendar. The two most important are Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı), marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı), commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
Widespread protests began throughout Turkey on 19 March 2025 following the detention and arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and more than 100 other opposition members and protesters by Turkish authorities.
Turkey is known for its rich history (Hagia Sophia, Ephesus), unique cuisine (kebabs, baklava, Turkish coffee), stunning landscapes (Cappadocia, Pamukkale), vibrant markets (Grand Bazaar), and its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, offering a blend of Eastern and Western cultures, famous carpets, and warm hospitality.
When visiting Turkey, do dress modestly (especially at religious sites), accept tea/hospitality, try local food (like baklava), bargain respectfully in markets, use right hand for eating/passing items, and remove shoes at homes/mosques; don't wear shorts in mosques, speak loudly in places of worship, show excessive public affection, drink alcohol in public, insult the Turkish flag/nation, or use your left hand for dining/passing. Be aware of surroundings, especially regarding scams and sensitive topics like politics or religion.
What do Turkish people celebrate instead of Christmas?
Turks do not celebrate Christmas or the birth of Jesus but celebrate the coming New Year in a festive atmosphere filled with new hopes and promises. Expats may feel as if they are home for the holidays as the streets and cafés are decorated with lights.
