Turkish American communities across the United States celebrated the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye this week with flag ceremonies, a gala and cultural festivals attended by Turkish diplomats.
Flag raised at Newton City Hall
In Massachusetts, Türkiye's Consulate General in Boston marked the anniversary with a flag-raising ceremony at Newton City Hall, organized with the support of local Turkish Americans. The consulate thanked Newton Mayor Marc Laredo for hosting the event. Boston is also set to raise the Turkish flag outside its City Hall on Oct. 29.
Republic Ball and San Diego celebrations
In Southern California, officials from the Turkish Consulate General in Los Angeles attended the Republic Ball organized by the American Turkish Association of Southern California (ATASC), a long-standing annual tradition, as well as a Republic Day celebration hosted by the Turkish House in San Diego.
The consulate also took part in the Irvine Global Village Festival, where an exhibition prepared by OCTAA and performances by the San Diego and AKM Turkish music choirs and the Anatolian Folklore Group showcased Turkish culture.
U.S. Embassy in Ankara and Turkish mission in Ottawa send greetings
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara wished Turks a happy Republic Day in Turkish and English, while Türkiye's Embassy in Ottawa marked the anniversary in Canada. President Donald Trump also congratulated President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish people on Republic Day in a phone call on Wednesday, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore proclaimed Oct. 29 as Republic of Türkiye Day in his state.
Balls in Minnesota and Colorado, a night in New Orleans
The Turkish American Association of Minnesota held its annual Republic Day Ball, where Turkish singer Ogün Sanlısoy performed, while the Turkish American Cultural Society of Colorado (TACSCO) celebrated with music and dance at its 2026 Republic Ball in Denver. In New Orleans, Louisiana State Sen. Royce Duplessis joined the local Turkish American association's Republic Day celebration.
In Irvine, Mayor Larry Agran presented the Orange County Turkish American Association (OCTAA) with a Certificate of Recognition for Oct. 29, and in Michigan the Turkish American Cultural Association shared proclamations recognizing Turkish Republic Day, including one from Rep. Shri Thanedar, who earlier paid tribute to Turkish Americans.
