Turkey marks 83rd death anniversary of founding father Ataturk

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the leader of the country’s War of Independence and founder of the Republic, died in 1938 in Istanbul at the age of 57.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid his respects to Ataturk at Anitkabir mausoleum in the capital Ankara.
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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid his respects to Ataturk at Anitkabir mausoleum in the capital Ankara.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has marked the 83rd anniversary of the passing of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. 

Erdogan paid his respects to the country's founder and leader of its independence movement, at Anitkabir, Ataturk's mausoleum, in the capital Ankara on Wednesday.

"We will never allow the integrity of our country; the survival of our state; the unity, peace, and ancient values of our noble nation to be attacked," Erdogan wrote in the Anitkabir memorial book.

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"We will never allow Turkey's integrity, unity, peace to be attacked," Erdogan writes in memorial book of Ataturk's mausoleum.

"We continue to enlarge and develop our republic, which you established and entrusted to us, and to make it the shining star of its region and the world, despite the hostiles involved in the aspirations of the invaders," he added.

"With the historical successes we have achieved in every field, especially in education, health, security, and industry, we are moving towards our 2023 goals with determination."

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Before leaving his written message, Erdogan placed a wreath on Ataturk's mausoleum and joined in a standing moment of silence before taking part in the National Anthem along with his accompanying delegation.

Vice President Fuat Oktay also posted a message of respect on Twitter, saying he commemorated Ataturk with "respect, gratitude, and mercy" on the 83rd anniversary of his death. 

Before leaving his written message, Erdogan placed a wreath on Ataturk's mausoleum and joined in a standing moment of silence before taking part in the National Anthem along with his accompanying delegation.

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Turkish people traditionally visit Ataturk's mausoleum every November 10 to pay their respects.

As is customary, daily life stopped at 0605GMT (9:05 am local time), sirens wailed to mark the exact moment of Ataturk's death at the age of 57, and millions of people across the country observed two minutes of silence.

The battle of Turkish independence started on May 15, 1919, when the first bullet against the occupying Greek forces was fired.

Incredible achievements on the battlefield led to Turkish independence, and the Republic of Turkey was founded on October 29, 1923.

READ MORE: Turkey: a veteran nation of Gallipoli 

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Another ceremony was held at Turkey's parliament in tribute to Ataturk.

Ataturk became the first president of the republic until November 10, 1938, when he passed away in Istanbul at the age of 57 due to cirrhosis.

Another ceremony was held at Turkey's parliament in tribute to Ataturk.

Turkish people traditionally visit Ataturk's mausoleum every November 10 to pay their respects.

READ MORE: World War I anniversary: Why its impact can be felt even today

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