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PEOPLE PACK THE SQUARES IN BODRUM

30.10.2023

BODRUM PAINTED RED

In Bodrum, on the 100th anniversary of the Republic, a spirited crowd spilled into the public areas, making the town aglow with enthusiasm. Pop music singer Ece Seçkin performed at Bodrum Municipality Square, while Grup Pusula entertained the citizens at Turgutreis Atatürk Square.

Under the organization of Bodrum Municipality, a series of events were held throughout the month of October as part of the October 29th celebrations. These included Republic exhibitions, tournaments, sports competitions, discussions, film and documentary screenings, dance performances and ceremonies. The grand finale took place on the evening of October 29th when the squares in Bodrum were teeming with local residents.

Citizens of all ages, from 7 to 70, filled the space, waving Turkish flags and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Republic with great enthusiasm. In Bodrum Municipality Square, thousands of citizens sang along to the songs and national anthems.

"No Space Left to Step in the Torchlight Parade"

From Bodrum Milta Marina, a Torchlight Parade led the way with torches and songs to Bodrum Municipality Square. Following the Torchlight Parade, Ece Seçkin took the stage for a concert.

"The Republic has never been crushed"

Mayor Ahmet Aras stepped onto the stage, welcoming all protocol members and Bodrum townsmen. Beginning his words by saying "welcome" to everyone who came to Bodrum on October 29, 2023, the 100th anniversary of the Republic, Mayor Aras stated, "Exactly 100 years ago, Great Atatürk was envisioning this crowd when he founded the Republic. He was envisioning republicans, enlightened contemporary people. He was envisioning you. For 100 years, our country has weathered many storms, but the Republic founded by Atatürk has never been crushed. It was not destroyed, and it couldn't be."

"Sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the nation!"

Mayor Aras emphasized that the Republic made us the people and the nation of the Republic of Türkiye, free and equal Turkish citizens, not just the offspring of a family. He also emphasized that the Republic gave sovereignty to the nation, unconditionally.

"The Republic is a women's revolution"

Highlighting that the Republic is an enlightenment and women's revolution, Mayor Aras expressed, "In the Middle East, women still haven't gained the right to vote and be elected. But in Turkey, they gained it in 1934. We offer our gratitude and appreciation to our Atatürk."

"Long live the Republic!"

Mayor Aras celebrated the 100th year with great enthusiasm in Bodrum and shared the details of the activities held in Bodrum as follows:

"From the very first day, we have been trying to celebrate the 100th year of our Republic with great enthusiasm in every region, from Solo Türk to the Çökertme Dance Group of 100 people. Thanks to you, today the Republic is being celebrated with the same enthusiasm in Turgutreis, Yalıkavak, and many more places. The Republic is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over our country. Congratulations! We will always be together with you for many years, every October 29th. Happy 100th anniversary of the Republic. Long live the Republic! Long live Atatürk! Long live Democracy! Republic Forever!"

After his speech, Mayor Aras sang the 10th Year March with the people.

District Governor Mustafa Çit expressed that the Republic could only be celebrated with such enthusiasm in Bodrum in every situation and condition and thanked everyone who participated, saying, "Our Municipality, National Education Directorate, our schools, our Youth and Sports Club, our seafarers, our boats, all of Bodrum celebrated this holiday in a manner befitting the 100th year. Our seafarers went to Thessaloniki. They greeted Atatürk with all the torches and anthems from where Great Leader Atatürk passed away in Dolmabahçe. In Bodrum, we celebrated this holiday with the same enthusiasm thanks to you. I thank all of you. I wish for many more 100th, 200th, 300th years."

After the speeches, the Yalıkavak Sports Club Women's Handball Team took the stage. Governor Çit and Mayor Aras congratulated the team for their achievements.

The Torchlight Parade from the Akçaalan Multipurpose Hall in Turgutreis to Turgutreis Atatürk Square witnessed a large turnout. The crowd celebrated October 29th with the band ‘Pusula’ concert.