Washington: The 102nd anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Trkiye was celebrated Wednesday with a reception at the Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC, bringing together diplomats, community leaders, and guests from various backgrounds. The event opened with the national anthems of Trkiye and the US, followed by a message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan commemorated all members of the veteran parliament who led the National Struggle, particularly Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic. He emphasized Trkiye's historical legacy and its current standing as a leading power in its region. Turkish Ambassador to the US Sedat Onal addressed the gathering, noting the significance of the day for the Turkish nation and highlighting Trkiye's self-confidence and forward-looking approach in its second century.

Onal discussed Trkiye's efforts in economic development and regional conflict resolution, and the close collaboration with the US Trump administration for global peace and stability. He expressed the political will on both sides to enhance bilateral relations across various fields. Additionally, Onal received a proclamation from the State of Maryland honoring the anniversary.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz attended the reception, while US lawmakers Zach Nunn, Pete Sessions, and Joe Wilson sent video messages to commemorate the occasion. The Turkish War of Independence, which began in 1919 with Ataturk's landing in Samsun, led to Anatolia's liberation and the recognition of the new country under the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. On October 29, 1923, Ataturk declared the nation's name and its status as a republic, becoming its first president. Trkiye has celebrated Republic Day annually on October 29 since then.