Turkey's Republic Day — Cumhuriyet Bayramı — falls on Thursday, October 29, 2026, marking the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. Watch the time tick down on our live Turkey Republic Day countdown.
When is Turkey Republic Day 2026?
Republic Day is always observed on October 29, the fixed anniversary of the day Mustafa Kemal Atatürk proclaimed the Republic in 1923. Official celebrations begin at 1:00 pm on October 28 and run for 35 hours through the 29th. It is a national public holiday in Turkey — and in Northern Cyprus — with schools and most businesses closed.
Why October 29 matters
On October 29, 1923, the new Grand National Assembly in Ankara declared that Turkey was henceforth a republic, ending the Ottoman sultanate and electing Atatürk as the country's first president. For many Turks it is the single most symbolic date in the modern national calendar — the birthday of the secular, parliamentary state.
How is Cumhuriyet Bayramı celebrated?
- Wreath-laying by the president at Anıtkabir, Atatürk's mausoleum in Ankara.
- Parades and processions with marching bands and the red-and-white flag.
- Flags everywhere — hung from homes, balconies and public buildings.
- Evening fireworks over the Bosphorus and city centres after dark.
- Diaspora receptions at Turkish embassies and communities worldwide.
Count down to Republic Day
Follow the days, hours and minutes on the live Cumhuriyet Bayramı countdown. You can also explore Turkey's other national days — Victory Day and Children's Day — or create your own countdown to share with friends and family.