site.btaParade Marking Turkiye's National Day Passes Through Ankara on Wednesday
Thousands of people marched on Wednesday through the streets of Ankara to mark the 102nd anniversary of Turkiye's proclamation as a republic. The kilometre-long procession through the centre of the Turkish capital began in the Kizilay district and ended at the former Grand National Assembly building, which now operates as a museum. The procession passed under heavy police presence and caused major roads to be closed to traffic.
People of all ages came with flags to honour the founder of the Republic of Turkiye, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
"The Republic is what brought us here. It allows us to do this, to be free - everything!" said a woman who had joined the march.
“For me, the Republic is what unites the people,” said a young man who was participating for the first time.
“For me, the Republic means freedom,” said another citizen.
“We are republicans, and we will keep our Republic standing!” one of the participants exclaimed.
Evening marches were organized throughout the country. They brought the day's celebrations to a close.
/NZ/
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