In brief
On Thursday, October 29 corporate the celebration of Turkey’s Republic Day with diplomatic commendations from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and NATO, while Bessarabian Bulgarians observed a separate commemorative day in honor of the 1838 consecration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Bolhrad. The observances highlighted historical milestones and ongoing cultural ties across the region.
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, Turkey celebrated its 103rd Republic Day, while Bessarabian Bulgarians observed a commemorative holiday, and several states and NATO issued congratulatory messages to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, underscoring the day’s diplomatic resonance.
Turkey’s Republic Day and NATO’s Global Response
BTA reported that NATO Headquarters in Brussels and its commands worldwide celebrated the founding of the Republic of Türkiye by posting images of Turkish naval and air forces, accompanied by greetings in Turkish. The Alliance emphasized solidarity, with messages such as "We are NATO" and "Stronger together."
According to Anadolu Agency, NATO’s Allied Maritime, Joint Force, Air, Land, and Special Operations Commands also posted congratulatory messages, sharing photographs of Turkish submarines, warships, fighter jets and special forces. The posts highlighted joint maritime and air force cooperation and commemorated the anniversary as “a strong message of solidarity.”
UAE Leaders Offer Congratulations
WAM noted that UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice‑President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, sent congratulatory messages from Abu Dhabi to President Erdoğan. The announcement underscored close diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Saudi Crown Prince’s Greeting
Saudi Press Agency reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable wishing President Erdoğan good health and steady progress for Turkey. The gesture was described as a sign of friendly diplomatic relations, positioning the visit as an occasion for both nations’ mutual prosperity.
Bessarabian Bulgarians Day—Historical Roots
BTA identified October 29 as Bessarabian Bulgarians’ Day, a holiday established by Dimitar Todorov of the All‑Bulgarian Union Father Paisius to honor the 1838 consecration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Bolhrad, present‑day Ukraine. The day commemorates the first major Orthodox church built by Bulgarian settlers, constructed with the voluntary labour of more than 10,000 people.
Source 2 described how the holiday’s tradition was interrupted after World II but revived in the late twentieth century by Rodolyubets, a cultural association promoting ties with Bessarabian and Tavrian Bulgarians. The revival has brought concerts, exhibitions and academic conferences to Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova, spotlighting the community’s cultural heritage and contributions to national development.
Both BTA and the Bessarabian Bulgarians’ Day article emphasize the anniversary’s significance for the Bulgarian diaspora and its role in enriching cultural exchanges across borders. They note that the anniversary offers an opportunity to celebrate shared histories while reinforcing contemporary diplomatic links, paralleling the diplomatic gestures observed by Turkey’s Republic Day.
