Erdoan highlights Turkey's historical heritage, calls for unity on Republic Day

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoan stressed the importance of internal unity and resilience in the speech on October 29 on the occasion of the 101st Republic Day of Trkiye, promising that Trkiye would resist regional “insidious games” and would continue its “honorable struggle” for stability.

In a special ceremony at the presidential complex, Erdoan commemorated the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic by honoring those who fought for independence, especially the modern founder of Trkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatrk. In his speech, he asserted that the Republic of Trkiye, with centuries-old roots, represents more than its 101 years of life, embodying state continuity that dates back thousands of years.

In his speech, Erdoan highlighted Trkiye's legacy as a successor to centuries-old states, countering perceptions that Trkiye is a young nation. “Our Republic was founded as a continuation of our long state tradition,” Erdoan noted. “It is a regime which symbolizes a new beginning rather than a new state.

Reflecting on the nation's past, Erdoan emphasized that Trkiyes' struggles and sacrifices shaped a strong identity and global influence. He urged citizens to look to the future rather than dwelling on past grievances, inviting them to join in a vision of the “Turkish century” centered on the political and economic development of Trkiyes.

Calling unity essential in an era of rapid global change, Erdoan stressed that political, social and economic issues must be resolved quickly. He argued that this path forward would be strengthened by collective support for the initiatives of the People's Alliance, symbolizing a renewed era.

Drawing on the historical spirit of the Turkish War of Independence, Erdoan spoke of the determination that led to key victories against the occupying forces in the Trkiyes War of Independence. We are entering a new period of strength built not on our ashes, but on our ambition and determination,” he said. “Like our predecessors, we will not back down from regional games and bleak scenarios.”

Erdoan concluded by calling on all Turkish citizens, regardless of their origin, to unite to build the future, inspired by a common love for the country. Let us transform our differences into mortar and iron for the construction of the Turkish century, he said. The President celebrated Republic Day by encouraging collective commitment to the success of Trkiyes, declaring that there will be no pause until we achieve our goals for this century.

President pledges to use all means to end terrorism

Erdoan pledged to deploy all available resources to combat terrorism, reiterating his government's commitment to eliminating threats from the early hours of October 29.

“We are not content with eliminating the terrorist threat at its source. Wherever we detect a threat to our country, no one can stop us from eliminating it,” Erdoan said at an event in the capital Ankara. .

The event included the official handover of the Gkbey, the first multi-purpose helicopter produced in the country by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSA), to the Gendarmerie.

This took place at the TUSA premises, recently the scene of a PKK terrorist attack.

“Such treacherous attacks can never break, regress or divert our determination and resolve in the fight against terrorism. We will not hesitate to use all means to end terrorism,” Erdoan said.

We dealt heavy blows to the separatist terrorist organization. We are not letting the terrorists nesting across the border breathe… We will continue this multidimensional struggle until we achieve our goal of a country and region free of terrorism.

The attackers arrived at TUSA headquarters, in the suburbs of Ankara, aboard a taxi which they commandeered after killing its driver.

Armed with assault rifles, they set off explosives and opened fire, killing five people. Twenty other people were injured in the attack.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya named the attackers as Mine Sevjin Aliek and Ali Rek and identified them as PKK members.

“We will not participate in the game of the terrorism barons and their leaders. Our 40 years of experience have shown us that the main objective of terrorism is to dynamite the brotherhood of the nation,” Erdoan added.

“There are all 85 million of us who will live in unity, solidarity and brotherhood on these lands for many more centuries, God willing, as we have done before.”

The president called the TUSA attack the PKK's “last gasp.”

“There is no place for terror and violence in the future of our country. Our state is stronger than the packs of assassins and their big brothers who hold the leash,” he said .

Erdoan's speech comes after a visit to Antkabir, the mausoleum of modern Trkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatrk, to mark the 101st anniversary of the Turkish Republic.

He led a delegation of state representatives to Antkabir for the Republic Day celebrations.

“At a time when regional borders are once again drawn in blood and tears as they were a century ago, we are taking all measures to protect our homeland and the security of our nation,” Erdoan wrote in his message published in the special Antkabir book.