Beşiktaş Honors 102 Years of the Republic with a Joyful March and Celebration

The 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Beşiktaş. Tens of thousands of people participated in the Republic Day March organized by Beşiktaş Municipality, sharing the excitement and joy of the national holiday. While the Republic Day was celebrated across the country, Beşiktaş once again became the main address of the festivities in Istanbul. The celebrations started with a congratulatory ceremony held at the Beşiktaş District Governor’s Office and continued with a Republic Day reception.

Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Rasim Şişman later joined the neighborhood celebrations in Konaklar and Gayrettepe, sharing the enthusiasm of local residents. At 6:00 PM, thousands of citizens gathered in front of Dolmabahçe Palace, waving Turkish flags and singing anthems as they joined the Republic Day March. The crowd walked together to Barbaros Square, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Rasim Şişman, CHP Beşiktaş District Chair Mehmet Arslan, and municipal council members.

After a spectacular fireworks display over the Bosphorus, the celebrations continued with a concert held in cooperation with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Renowned artists Moğollar, Zuhal Olcay, Bendeniz, Ferda Anıl Yarkın, Bora Öztoprak, and Şebnem Paker performed their most beloved songs, bringing the spirit of the Republic to life. Before the concert, Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Rasim Şişman delivered a speech, saying: “We celebrate the 102nd anniversary of our Republic with great pride, hope, and solidarity. On this meaningful day, we will never give up on the ideal of a free and equal Türkiye, founded on the will of its people. We will continue to work with determination to uphold the democratic will of the nation.”

Deputy Mayor Şişman also emphasized the historical importance of Beşiktaş, stating: “Beşiktaş is not just a district; it is the place where the first breath of the Republic was taken, a symbol of resistance and rebirth. The fire of independence that once burned here continues to remind us that sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the nation.”

In his address, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Nuri Arslan also sent greetings to the elected Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is currently held in Silivri Prison, and said: “We are proud to stand together today on the 102nd anniversary of our Republic. Your enthusiasm and motivation give us strength. We will continue to be the voice of the voiceless and bring hope, equality, and justice to every citizen in the light of our Republic.”

Throughout the evening, Beşiktaş once again became the heart of the Republic Day celebrations, where the values of freedom, equality, and democracy continue to shine brightly.

Discovering Europe Together: ErasmusDays at Beşiktaş Municipality

Beşiktaş Municipality celebrated this year’s ErasmusDays — an international initiative highlighting the impact and opportunities of the Erasmus+ programme across Europe — with a three-day series of information sessions held between 14–16 October at the Beşiktaş Municipality Project Point in Karaoğlan Youth Center.

Throughout the sessions, young participants learned about various European programmes designed to support learning, volunteering, and cultural exchange. The morning sessions provided a general overview of Erasmus+, while the afternoon focused on specific opportunities: the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) for young people aged 18–30, Youth Exchanges and SALTO programmes for those aged 18–35, and DiscoverEU, a special initiative enabling 18-year-olds to explore Europe by train.

High school students showed great enthusiasm for DiscoverEU, expressing curiosity about the application process and sharing their excitement about discovering new cultures. Young adults were equally engaged during the ESC and Youth Exchange sessions, where they explored ways to volunteer abroad, participate in community projects, and connect with peers across Europe. Many participants expressed a strong motivation to take part in future Erasmus+ opportunities, seeing them as valuable steps toward personal growth and intercultural understanding. Through these sessions, Beşiktaş Municipality once again reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth participation and strengthening its role as a vibrant centre for young people in Istanbul.

Beşiktaş and the Consulate General of India Unite for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Beşiktaş Municipality and the Consulate General of India joined forces for a meaningful event held at the Zübeyde Ana Cultural Center. The program aimed to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, self-awareness, and holistic well-being in the fight against breast cancer.

The event began with an informative panel featuring medical specialists, a clinical psychologist, and a dietitian, who shared insights on prevention, mental health, and nutrition. Following the discussions, participants took part in a relaxing breathing and meditation session led by yoga instructor promoting mindfulness and emotional balance. This collaboration between Beşiktaş Municipality and the Consulate General of India served as a heartfelt reminder that awareness, solidarity, and shared knowledge are key to empowering women and fostering healthier communities.

Running Together on the Shores of the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus Quarter Marathon brought together hundreds of running enthusiasts to celebrate health, community, and the beauty of Istanbul. Starting in Bebek and finishing in Ortaköy, the participants followed a spectacular route along the Bosphorus, where history and nature meet in perfect harmony.

Organized by Beşiktaş Municipality, the event offered much more than a race — it was a shared experience of joy, motivation, and togetherness. From first-time runners to seasoned athletes, participants enjoyed the unique spirit of Istanbul, cheered each other on, and turned a Sunday morning into an unforgettable celebration of movement. As the runners crossed the finish line against the glittering blue of the Bosphorus, one thing was clear: the Bosphorus Quarter Marathon has become more than a sporting event — it’s a symbol of unity, vitality, and the vibrant heartbeat of Beşiktaş.