On Monday, Türkiye commemorated the 87th anniversary of the passing of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the republic, with nationwide and international ceremonies led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
During the events, Erdoğan reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to advancing Atatürk's legacy and confidently pursuing global prominence, The Caspian Post reports citing Turkish media.
The official state ceremony took place at Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum in the capital Ankara, where Erdoğan, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, members of the Cabinet, opposition party leaders, high-ranking judicial officials and top commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) gathered to pay tribute.
Leading the solemn procession along the Lion’s Road, Erdoğan laid a wreath of red and white carnations shaped as the Turkish flag on Atatürk’s tomb. At precisely 9:05 a.m., which is the moment of Atatürk’s passing, sirens wailed across the country as citizens observed a minute of silence, followed by the national anthem. The Turkish flag was lowered to half-mast.
After the ceremony, Erdoğan and senior officials proceeded to the Misak-ı Milli Tower, where Erdoğan signed Anıtkabir’s memorial book, saying: “The Great Atatürk, on the 87th anniversary of your passing, we remember you, your comrades-in-arms from our War of Independence, and our heroic martyrs with mercy and gratitude."
"We passionately protect the Republic of Türkiye, your greatest work, and continue to adorn every inch of our country with new achievements. With competent and dedicated cadres at the helm, Türkiye is progressing steadily toward becoming a global power. May your soul rest in peace," he added.
Across Türkiye, citizens gathered in city squares, schools and public institutions to honor Atatürk’s memory with moments of silence and ceremonies. From Izmir to Istanbul, Ankara to Diyarbakır, flags were lowered and streets fell silent at 9:05 a.m.
Commemorations were also held at Türkiye’s diplomatic missions abroad, from China to Azerbaijan, and across Europe and Africa. In embassies and consulates, Turkish representatives, diplomats and citizens paid tribute to Atatürk, reflecting the founder’s enduring legacy beyond national borders.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also shared a message marking the occasion on social media: “I respectfully commemorate Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of our Republic, on the 87th anniversary of his passing. Inspired by the heroes of our War of Independence, we continue to uphold the determined and principled stance of our state to carry Türkiye more strongly into the future.”
The Defense Ministry released a commemorative video featuring rare footage of Atatürk with citizens during his presidency, emphasizing that “what is remembered is not a loss, but a legacy.”
The ministry’s message quoted Atatürk’s words, “Death is the inevitable fate of humankind. The true skill lies in not being forgotten,” adding, “With mercy, gratitude, and respect, forever in our hearts.”
On Monday, Türkiye commemorated the 87th anniversary of the passing of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the republic, with nationwide and international ceremonies led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During the events, Erdoğan reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to advancing Atatürk's legacy and confidently pursuing global prominence.Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairperson Özgür Özel honored Atatürk as the “architect of independence and eternal leader."
“Missing Atatürk means longing for a country, for light, for hope and justice. Everything began with him and will continue with the people who stand behind him. The struggle will never end," Özel said.
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairperson Devlet Bahçeli emphasized Atatürk’s timeless influence and the importance of safeguarding his legacy, saying:
“The Republic of Türkiye will, in its second century, climb to the summit it deserves by drawing strength and inspiration from its founding philosophy. The key is to protect Atatürk’s great legacy with sincerity and loyalty, remaining vigilant against all threats to the endurance of the republic.”
Bahçeli added that Nov. 10 should not be seen solely as a day of mourning but as a moment of reflection and renewal.
“Every mortal must face death, but what matters is to keep Atatürk’s ideals alive and ensure that his legacy remains untarnished.”
