29 October 2026 | Special Anniversary Feature
On 29 October 2026, the Republic of Türkiye celebrates the 103rd anniversary of its founding, a defining moment in the emergence of the modern Turkish state and the beginning of an extraordinary journey of transformation. For Romania, this anniversary carries particular significance: the two countries share 148 years of diplomatic relations, a strong strategic partnership and a lasting friendship built on cooperation, trust and mutual respect. Atlas News România joins in celebrating this occasion, paying tribute to the achievements of the Turkish people and to the enduring bonds that bring our two nations together.
29 October 1923: The Birth of the Republic and the Dawn of a New Era
One hundred and three years ago, on 29 October 1923, the Grand National Assembly in Ankara proclaimed the Republic of Türkiye, with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk becoming its first President. This historic decision marked the culmination of the struggle for national independence and ushered in a profound transformation of the country’s institutions, society and political life.
Under Atatürk’s leadership, the newly established republic embarked on far-reaching reforms in education, public administration, the judiciary and the economy, laying the foundations of a modern state committed to progress and international engagement.
The proclamation of the Republic was therefore far more than a constitutional change. It embodied a nation’s determination to shape its own destiny and build its future.
Today, Türkiye is an important actor in the Euro-Atlantic security architecture, a major regional economic and industrial centre, and a country with a significant diplomatic presence on the international stage. Its achievements in infrastructure, transport, industry, technology and defence reflect the scale of the transformation accomplished over recent decades.
This anniversary offers an opportunity to recognise those achievements, as well as the determination with which Turkish society has preserved its identity, traditions and aspirations for development.
In his Republic Day message, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted national independence, Atatürk’s legacy and the progress achieved in industry, energy, technology and diplomacy.
Romania and Türkiye: A Friendship Rooted in History and Strengthened by Strategic Partnership
The relationship between Romania and Türkiye predates the Republic proclaimed in 1923. Official diplomatic relations date back to 1878, and ties between the two countries have continued to develop through different historical periods and changing international circumstances.
An important milestone was the Treaty of Friendship, Non-Aggression, Arbitration and Conciliation signed in 1933. A year later, in 1934, Romania and Türkiye joined Greece and Yugoslavia in establishing the Balkan Entente.
Even during the interwar period, the two countries demonstrated their shared commitment to regional stability and security.
Following the political transformations in Eastern Europe, bilateral relations gained new momentum with the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation signed in 1991.
The Declaration on Strategic Partnership, signed in December 2011, and the establishment of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in May 2024 further strengthened the institutional framework of the relationship.
Today, Romania and Türkiye are NATO Allies and essential partners in safeguarding security in the Black Sea region. Their cooperation extends across defence, the military industry, infrastructure, trade and energy security.
The NATO Summit held in Ankara on 7–8 July 2026 underscored Türkiye’s strategic importance within the Alliance. On that occasion, Romania, Bulgaria and Türkiye also expanded their naval cooperation under the MCM Black Sea initiative to include the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.
Beyond military and economic cooperation, however, the relationship between the two countries rests on a profound human foundation.
The historic Turkish and Tatar communities of Dobrogea, cultural exchanges, tourism and investment have created lasting connections that extend far beyond the realm of official diplomacy.
Romania and Türkiye do not share a land border, but they are neighbours across the Black Sea. And genuine good-neighbourly relations are expressed, above all, through trust, mutual respect and a shared willingness to build a better future together.
Atlas News România, the Embassy of Türkiye and TIAD: A Relationship Built on Dialogue and Trust
For Atlas News România, the friendship between Romania and Türkiye also has a particularly meaningful dimension, shaped by direct dialogue with Turkish diplomacy and representatives of the business community.
Our editorial team is deeply honoured to maintain a relationship of cooperation and mutual respect with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Bucharest and with His Excellency Mr Özgür Kıvanç Altan, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Romania.
His Excellency’s openness to dialogue, professionalism and willingness to engage have offered Atlas News România valuable opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of Turkish diplomatic perspectives on bilateral relations, Black Sea security and Euro-Atlantic cooperation.
This relationship was also reflected in an in-depth interview granted to Atlas News România by Ambassador Özgür Kıvanç Altan, covering the strategic partnership between our two countries, defence cooperation, investment, and their historical and cultural ties.
A particularly important milestone for our editorial team was its participation in the NATO Summit in Ankara in July 2026.
Atlas News România’s presence at this major diplomatic event was made possible in part through the valuable support of TIAD Romania, the principal partner of our editorial project at the summit.
On this special occasion, we extend our sincere appreciation to the Association of Turkish Businesspeople in Romania (TIAD) and its President, Mr Ufuk Tandoğan, for their trust, support and partnership.
For more than three decades, TIAD has served as an important bridge between the Romanian and Turkish business communities, fostering investment, institutional dialogue and projects that contribute to the development of both countries.
In an interview with Atlas News România, Ufuk Tandoğan captured a dimension of this relationship that goes well beyond economic achievements:
“Turkish investors bring to Romania not only capital, but also friendship, dedication, trust and long-term commitment.”
That same spirit of friendship was evident at the traditional Republic Day Ball organised by TIAD in Bucharest on 23 October 2026, which Atlas News România had the honour of attending.
The event brought together representatives of the diplomatic community, the business sector and the Turkish community in a celebration of history and friendship between our two peoples.
For our editorial team, these encounters and collaborations represent far more than professional milestones.
They reaffirm the value of relationships built on integrity, respect and trust, as well as the role of journalism in bringing societies closer together and fostering mutual understanding.
On the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, Atlas News România extends its warmest congratulations to the Turkish people, the institutions of the Republic, the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Bucharest, His Excellency Ambassador Özgür Kıvanç Altan, the Turkish community in Romania, TIAD and its President, Mr Ufuk Tandoğan.
We express our sincere appreciation for Türkiye’s achievements, its contribution to regional security and stability, and its enduring partnership with Romania.
May the friendship between our two countries continue to flourish, inspire new joint initiatives and remain an example of cooperation, mutual respect and good-neighbourly relations.
Happy Republic Day, Türkiye!
Cumhuriyet Bayramınız kutlu olsun!
With respect and friendship,
The Atlas News România Editorial Team
