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.