ANKARA

The Turkish president on Wednesday celebrated the 98th anniversary of the declaration of Ankara as the country's capital.

"I celebrate the anniversary of the declaration of Ankara as the capital. Ankara, which has assumed historical importance in the struggle against the attempts to invade our homeland with perseverance and determination, is also the center of the establishment and progress of our republic and the development process of democracy," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement issued by the Directorate of Communications.

Praising Ankara's role during Turkey’s War of Independence and the establishment of the republic, Erdogan said Ankara will continue to play a leading role in the development of the country and the advancement of Turkish democracy.

"It is of great importance to preserve the cultural identity and historical richness of the capital Ankara..." he said.

Erdogan also remembered Turkey's founding father, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and other Turkish veterans and fallen soldiers with respect and gratitude.