Istanbul marks 103rd anniversary of liberation from occupation

Istanbul marked the 103rd anniversary of its liberation from enemy occupation on October 6. Commemorative ceremonies were held at the Taksim Republic Monument, attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, military officials, and various political representatives.

During the ceremony, a message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was read, honoring the sacrifices of martyrs and veterans of the National Struggle. Governor Gül described the date as the day Istanbul regained its soul and identity.

While the day is a significant historical milestone, October 6 is not a national public holiday in Turkey. Consequently, schools, government offices, and businesses remain open under normal working schedules. To mark the occasion, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality announced that public transportation, including buses, metro, and ferries, would be free for residents throughout the day.