ISTANBUL

Ceremonies commemorating the 85th anniversary of the passing of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, were held on Friday worldwide.

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), participants observed a minute of silence at 9:05 a.m., the exact time of Ataturk's death.

A commemoration ceremony took place in front of the Ataturk monument in the TRNC capital Lefkosa. It was attended by President Ersin Tatar, Prime Minister Unal Ustel, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Lefkosa Metin Feyzioglu, and other officials.

"Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, on this day when we bid farewell to you for eternity, we remember you with love, respect, and longing. As per your testament, we will pay attention to Cyprus for the preservation of Türkiye’s and the Turkish nation's future, and we will work diligently,” Tatar said in his speech.

Ataturk was also honored in Kyrgyzstan at a ceremony organized by the Turkish Embassy in the capital Bishkek. Ambassador Ahmet Sadik Dogan along with embassy employees and representatives from Turkish institutions, attended the event.

"Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has been one of the rare leaders who shaped the course of history,” Dogan said, adding: “At this time when we have reached the centennial of our republic, we better understand the value and character of the great Ataturk, and once again, we bow with respect before him."

A similar ceremony was conducted at the Turkish Embassy in Moscow, attended by Ambassador Tanju Bilgic, mission employees, press members, and Turkish citizens.

In a memorial ceremony in Baku, Ambassador Cahit Bagci said Ataturk was an exceptional statesman and commander who prioritized independence and love of the homeland, dedicating his entire existence to the Turkish people.

The ceremony, held in front of the Ataturk monument, was attended by embassy employees, representatives from Turkish organizations, and students from Turkish institutions.

In Cameroon’s capital Yaounde, a ceremony took place at the Turkish embassy, attended by envoy Volkan Isikci, embassy staff, and representatives from Turkish institutions.

"As a result of our War of Independence, we live in the world with the tranquility of being able to exist with our own identity, language, flag, and name. This is an invaluable gain. The one who gifted us all these achievements is Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,” Isikci said.

An event was also organized at the Turkish Embassy in Athens, Greece. Turkish Ambassador Cagatay Erciyes said Ataturk's legacy continues to shape the fundamental values of Türkiye today and guide future generations. "Commemorating Ataturk, preserving his values, and leading Türkiye towards a brighter future are our shared responsibilities," he added.

Türkiye's diplomatic missions in other countries including Croatia, China, Uzbekistan, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Kosovo, Malta, Italy, Finland, the UK Romania, Albania, and North Macedonia also held commemoration ceremonies.

Ataturk led the battle of Turkish independence, which started on May 15, 1919, with the firing of the first bullet against the occupying Greek forces. The remarkable achievements on the battlefield ultimately resulted in Turkish independence, and as a consequence, the Republic of Türkiye was founded on Oct. 29, 1923.

Ataturk served as the first president of the republic until his passing on Nov. 10, 1938, in Istanbul, at the age of 57, due to cirrhosis.