‘August Ataturk, we once again remember your excellency with grace on 86th anniversary of your passing to eternity,' Recep Tayyip Erdogan writes in Anitkabir memorial book
Türkiye's founding leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, was commemorated Sunday on the 86th anniversary of his death in a solemn state ceremony at Anitkabir, his mausoleum in Turkish capital Ankara.
The event began at 8:45 a.m. local time as high-ranking state officials walked on the Lion Road.
“August Ataturk, we once again remember your excellency with grace on the 86th anniversary of your passing to eternity," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wrote in the memorial book of Anitkabir.
"We spare no effort to glorify and strengthen the Republic of Türkiye, the legacy of your excellency and our martyrs, in every area, and make it grow bigger in security and stability despite the crises in its near environs," Erdogan added.
“We will neither stop nor rest until we build a Türkiye, where peace, calm, justice, development and brotherhood prevail in every inch of our country. May you rest in peace!," the president wrote.
Before leaving his written message, Erdogan placed a wreath at the mausoleum and joined in a moment of silence for the late leader before taking part in the Turkish national anthem along with a distinguished delegation.
During the moment of silence, the Turkish flag was lowered to half-staff.
Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus also shared a message on X to mark the 86th anniversary of the passing of Ataturk.
"On this occasion, we reaffirm our determination to further advance our Republic and our country with a spirit of national unity, independence, and a commitment to national sovereignty."
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also "respectfully" commemorated Ataturk on the 86th anniversary of his demise.
"We are upholding our foreign policy vision, which represents Türkiye's independent course and principled stance, and we continue our efforts with the spirit of the national struggle passed down from our ancestors."
As is customary every Nov. 10 in Türkiye, daily life stopped at 9.05 a.m. local time (0605GMT), with sirens wailing to mark the exact moment of Ataturk's death at age 57, and millions of people across the country observed two minutes of silence.
The War of Turkish Independence officially began on May 19, 1919. Remarkable victories on the battlefield led to Turkish independence, culminating in the founding of the Republic of Türkiye on Oct. 29, 1923.
Ataturk served as the republic's first president until Nov. 10, 1938, when he passed away in Istanbul at age 57 due to cirrhosis.
Turkish people traditionally visit Ataturk's mausoleum every Nov. 10 to pay their respect to the nation's founder.
