Turkey: Republic Day October 28-29

Event

Turkey will hold Republic Day celebrations beginning at 13:00 (local time) on Sunday, October 28, through Monday, October 29, to commemorate the founding of the Turkish Republic. In Istanbul, a large procession, known as the Republican March, will travel down Baghdad Avenue beginning at 19:00 on October 29. Elsewhere in Istanbul, the Şişli municipality will host a parade beginning at 17:00 on October 28 from the Harbiye Uğur Mumcu Monument to Cevahir Shopping Mall. In the Beşiktaş municipality, a procession from Balmumcu to Barbaros Square is also scheduled on October 29 beginning at 19:00.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will reportedly attend a brief memorial ceremony at Anıtkabir in Ankara on October 29 before heading to Istanbul. Government officials will also reportedly attend the opening of Istanbul New Airport (ISL) in Arnavutköy and subsequently host a celebration at the Dolmabahçe Palace. A heightened security presence, as well as business and traffic disruptions, are expected throughout the country during the holiday.

Context

Republic Day celebrations typically occur over a period of 35 hours from October 28-29; with large ceremonies hosted in Ankara and Istanbul. In addition to Republic Day events, political groups have staged demonstrations in large cities, although gatherings in recent years were outlawed due to security concerns.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey are advised to allow additional time to travel, anticipate crowded conditions, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.