# Mustafa Kemal Atatürk commemoration in Turkey

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mustafa-kemal-atatrk-commemoration-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-11-09T09:53:06.000Z. Sources: 187. Developments: 4.

The 88th anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, was observed with nationwide commemorations on November 10, 2026. At 09:05, the moment of his death in 1938, sirens sounded across the country, prompting citizens and state officials to observe moments of silence in cities including Ankara, Istanbul, Denizli, and Eskişehir.

In Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended ceremonies at Anıtkabir, where he signed the Special Book of Anıtkabir. This event also coincided with a leadership transition at the site, as Lieutenant Colonel Murat Bakıcı handed over command to Lieutenant Colonel M. Erhan Aydemir following a five-year tenure. The SOLOTÜRK aerobatic team performed a ceremonial flyover at the site. Additionally, President Erdoğan attended a ceremony at the Atatürk Culture, Language and History High Institution, where he stated that the government aims to introduce a civil constitution to the nation and addressed the importance of strengthening national institutions to preserve the republic.

Political leaders, including Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, issued messages of remembrance. Bahçeli noted that understanding Atatürk requires interpreting his ideas within the context of modern scientific and technological developments. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş also shared tributes.

In Istanbul, various groups organized human chains and maritime tributes, while Dolmabahçe Palace saw significant visitor interest despite heavy rain. Major sports clubs, including Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and Galatasaray, held commemorative events, and the Turkish National Football Team held a ceremony at the TFF Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp. Regional activities included large-scale programs in Izmir, featuring a formal ceremony at Cumhuriyet Square and a 350-meter Atatürk poster procession. The international climate summit COP31 in Antalya also included a two-minute moment of silence to honor Atatürk, involving diplomats and international participants.

## Claims

- Özgür Özel attended the 20th anniversary commemoration of Bülent Ecevit at the State Cemetery. (reported by 3 sources)
- Özgür Özel stated that Bülent Ecevit helped workers obtain the right to collective bargaining with strikes. (reported by 2 sources)
- Bülent Ecevit led the Republican People's Party to first-place status in four elections during the 1970s. (reported by 2 sources)
- Efes Selçuk Municipality and ADD Selçuk Branch are organizing Atatürk commemoration events. (reported by 2 sources)
- The film “Dersimiz Atatürk” will be screened for children on November 9 at 19:00 at the ADD Selçuk Branch. (reported by 2 sources)
- A “Hasret” commemoration night will be held on November 10 at 20:00 at the Efes Selçuk Municipality City Memory Building. (reported by 2 sources)
- Özgür Özel alleged that Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya is being treated differently by the legal system compared to others. (reported by 1 source)
- Özgür Özel alleged that Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya accumulated wealth through the misappropriation of people's investments. (reported by 1 source)
- Özgür Özel alleged that Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya had over two billion in assets, including 3,366 apartments, when caught. (reported by 1 source)
- Özgür Özel claimed that 46 mayors had their homes raided at dawn. (reported by 1 source)
- Özgür Özel alleged that the legal system in the country is applied unequally based on political party affiliation. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-09: Turkey commemorates 88th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death

Turkey marked the 88th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death with national ceremonies, official messages from leaders, and widespread public tributes honoring his legacy.

167 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-business-leaders-commemorate-mustafa-kemal-atatrk

### 2026-11-07: Turkey observes 88th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death

Turkey observed the 88th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death with nationwide moments of silence, regional ceremonies, and a symbolic SOLOTÜRK flyover at Anıtkabir.

48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eskiehir-and-seluk-announce-programs-to-commemorate-mustafa-kemal-atatrk

### 2026-11-05: Turkey and Northern Cyprus commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Turkey and Northern Cyprus are holding various ceremonies, including visits to Anıtkabir and local events, to mark the 88th anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mustafa-kemal-atatrk-commemorated-on-88th-anniversary-of-death

### 2026-11-01: Turkey: November 10 is not a public holiday

November 10, the anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death, is not a public holiday in Turkey. Schools, banks, and public institutions will remain open and follow regular working hours.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-november-10-is-not-a-public-holiday

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Cite as: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk commemoration in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mustafa-kemal-atatrk-commemoration-in-turkey
