Hundreds of members of the Turkish-speaking community celebrated the 100th anniversary of Turkey’s Republic at a Dinner and Dance organized by the Ataturk Society UK (ASUK) in London.
On Saturday, the 28th of October, over 300 people joined together to celebrate the milestone of Turkey’s government marking its 100th anniversary of the creation of its republic from the Ottoman Empire.
A minute of silence was held, followed by the Turkish national anthem. Dilek Livaneli, well-known for her work with young children, was awarded as the first Turkish teacher to be selected among the world’s top 50 teachers.
Red and white flags waved across the hall as live music filled the room. Families, friends, community organization members, local councillors, officials, ASUK members, and members from the Azerbaijani community all celebrated together.
Speeches took place following dinner. The ASUK president Jale Ozer said, “Today, with the belief that we, as a nation, will once again create the founding philosophy of the Republic of Turkey, established with the rebirth of the Turkish nation, we celebrate the 100th year of our Republic with pride, honor, and enthusiasm. We bow in respect before the presence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, who gifted the Turkish nation a country created out of nothing, with the understanding of a secular, democratic, and social state of law at its core. As representatives of our homeland abroad, we proudly continue to raise our country’s flag overseas. On the 100th year of our greatest celebration, the Republic Day, I extend my greetings to all of us.
“Exactly 100 years ago, on this night, Mustafa Kemal Pasha, at Çankaya Mansion, said to the members of the Grand National Assembly, ‘Gentlemen, tomorrow we shall declare the Republic,’ stating that the form of government of the country should be a Republic. The next day, the Republic was declared, and the first President of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, concluded his lengthy speech by saying, ‘The Turkish Republic will be happy, successful, and triumphant.'”
She added, “Transferring the Republican values gained from 1923 to 2023 to future generations, carrying the spirit of unity and togetherness forever is the greatest responsibility placed upon the Turkish nation for its independence. We, the Atatürk Society UK, established in London 26 years ago, are determined to strengthen our commitment to the values of the Republic more than ever by aligning our efforts in this direction.”
Special guest Turkish journalist and television presenter Sedef Kabaş also took to the stage, speaking to the attendees and touching on her background and the importance that journalists, women, and children have in a democratic union. The event continued with live Turkish music as well as Azerbaijani music, with guests dancing and enjoying each other’s company.
