A holiday for people
The Republic Day is considered a highly important holiday by all Turks regardless their age and profession. On a wonderful autumn day, the country celebrates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey and collapse of the Ottoman Empire, which happened in 1923 and became a new step in the development of the country.
The celebrations usually start some days before, and the Turkish cities are already ready for them in October 28 when the buildings are decorated with national flags, and government institutions alongside with schools and universities stop working, for the Republic Day is a day off for all people.
Istanbul schools hold festive events where schoolchildren show amateur art activities. During the holiday itself the merry sounds of solemn marches and parades in honor of the memorable date and its main figure Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the father of the Turkish Republic and first president of Turkey, are heard in streets.
Despite the fact that the mausoleum of Ataturk is in Ankara and main festivities including ceremonial parade are held in the capital as well, Istanbul celebrates this day solemnly as well with parades, concerts, and fireworks.
The main Turkish reformer Kemal Ataturk
The first president of the country and personality directly tied to the Turkish Republic foundation, Kemal Ataturk became a national hero of the country, and each Turk considers his duty to honor his memory and adhere to traditions connected to the achievements of Ataturk.
Born in 1881, Kemal Ataturk brought his country to independence and influenced the strengthening of its status at the international arena. In addition to political reforms, Ataturk changed the dress code, adopted new civil and penal codes following European samples, latinized the alphabet, and gave suffrage to women. All these measures contributed to the development of Turkey in economic, social, and cultural domains.
