D-8 Rejoices Turkey to celebrate 85th anniversary of Republic

Ankara, TURKEY | October 30, 2008 by D-8 Secretariat

The Turkish nation, Turkish diplomatic missions in foreign capitals, and D-8 Organization celebrated the 85th foundation anniversary of the Turkish Republic yesterday. Official celebrations started in Ankara at 8:45 a.m. at Anıtkabir, which is the mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the republic, presided over by President Gül, who laid a wreath of red and white carnations at Atatürk’s tomb and signed Anıtkabir’s guestbook.

“Great Ataturk, we are celebrating the 85th foundation anniversary of our Republic proudly. We promise to further glorify the Republic –you commended us– on the path you set; and further develop it over the contemporary civilizations you have marked. Rest in peace,” Gul wrote to Anitkabir special notebook.

State officials led by Turkish President Abdullah Gul placed a wreath on mausoleum, observed a minute of silence and sang Turkish National Anthem.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, D-8 Secretary General Dipo Alam, and Turkish political party leaders, military and civilian authorities also participated in the ceremony.

Representatives of various foreign countries sent celebratory messages to Gül. The prime minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, who is on an official visit to Turkey from Oct. 27-31, attended the reception at the presidential palace.

After the ceremony in Anitkabir, President Gul received congratulations at Turkish Parliament.

There will be glamorous activities with strong visual themes in Istanbul, while more official government ceremonies are being held in Ankara.

In Istanbul, the night sky will be lit up with fireworks, while the Bosporus Bridge and the Maiden Tower will be decorated with colorful lights and laser shows have been prepared. D-8 Organization is scheduled to participate for the ceremony in Istanbul, and will be represented by Secretary General.

Turkey became a republic on October 29, 1923. This formally declared the dissolution of Ottoman Empire; and Turkish State became a republic under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Republic Day is celebrated across Turkey every year with formal ceremonies. D-8 Organization and memberstates congratulate and wish Turkey to continue her successful efforts to increase the economic performances and trade, as well as to conserve its democracy.

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