The rain fell steadily on Istanbul’s Taksim Square, but it didn’t deter the crowds. On November 10th, Turkey marked the 88th anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the country’s first president and the architect of the modern Turkish Republic. For many, the day is a moment of national reflection, a pause to remember the sweeping reforms and the hard-fought independence Atatürk secured after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
The official ceremony at the Taksim Republic Monument began with a nation holding its breath. This symbolic pause, repeated across the country, is a cornerstone of the annual commemoration. Following the silence, the Turkish national anthem resonated through the square, a powerful affirmation of national identity. Among those in attendance were Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, General Bahtiyar Ersay – commander of the 1st Army and Istanbul Garrison – and Nuri Aslan, Deputy Mayor of Istanbul. The presence of these officials underscored the state’s commitment to honoring Atatürk’s legacy.
Aslan addressed the assembled crowd, acknowledging the challenging weather. “We are here for the November 10th commemoration,” he said, speaking of the founder of the Republic of Turkey and veteran of the Independence War, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. He continued, noting with visible emotion, “There is a large crowd. It’s raining, but frankly, it makes me very happy to see people embracing Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk like this, embracing our 1st President despite the rain.” The phrase ‘Gazi’ – meaning veteran – is a title of respect often used in conjunction with Atatürk’s name, acknowledging his role as a military leader. Aslan outlined the day’s planned events, signaling a continuation of the remembrance beyond Taksim Square.
The digital realm became a space for collective mourning and gratitude.
Beyond the official ceremony, November 10th saw a nationwide outpouring of remembrance. The 86th anniversary of Atatürk’s passing – a detail often repeated alongside the 88th anniversary of his death – was marked by citizens and public figures alike. The digital realm became a space for collective mourning and gratitude. A constellation of Turkish celebrities – including icons like Türkan Şoray, Emel Sayın, Tarkan, Ajda Pekkan, Seda Sayan, Murat Boz, Hülya Avşar, Zafer Algöz, and Cem Yılmaz – took to social media to share tributes. Şoray, for example, posted a message of longing: “I remember you with longing, with love, with gratitude… Always, everywhere… You are in my heart.”
Adding to the chorus of national remembrance, Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, published a commemorative message on social media. Her statement – “I commemorate the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with respect and mercy on the 88th anniversary of his passing” – echoed the sentiments of millions across the country. The use of ‘respect and mercy’ is a common phrasing in Turkish commemorations of the deceased.
Aslan’s schedule for the day extended beyond Taksim Square. Following the ceremony, attendees were to proceed to Cemal Reşit Rey Hall for another memorial event, then to Dolmabahçe Palace for further commemorations. Later in the afternoon, at 3:00 PM, an Atatürk memorial walk was planned in Florya Forest, inviting all Istanbul residents to participate. The planned walk highlights the importance of physical spaces in maintaining the collective memory of Atatürk.
Today, the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk remains deeply woven into the fabric of Turkish society. His reforms – from secularizing the legal system to adopting a Latin-based alphabet – fundamentally reshaped the nation. The annual commemorations, like the one held on November 10th, serve as a powerful reminder of his enduring influence. The events of this year, from the rain-soaked ceremony in Taksim Square to the heartfelt tributes on social media, demonstrate that, 88 years after his death, Atatürk continues to be a central figure in Turkey’s national identity.
