Turkey marks 93rd anniversary of Republic Day amid high security

World Today

Turkey Republic DaySupporters react as Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses them during a ceremony for a new train station building on Republic Day in Ankara, Turkey, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

The 93rd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic was celebrated across the country on Saturday despite increased security concerns amid Turkey’s stepped up efforts to defeat ISIL.

The 29th of October is a day of celebration for Turks.

It’s the day Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded the Turkish Republic in 1923. Every year on this day, thousands visit Ataturk’s mausoleum in Ankara.

This year was no different despite security concerns.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the ceremony, along with Turkey’s Prime Minister, opposition leaders and other state and military officials. Security was tight Guards armed with machine guns kept lookout from the tops of buildings while police dogs swept areas on the ground.

Police were also on high alert during ceremonies held in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir. Civilians entering public squares were searched by security forces.

Many in Turkey have been concerned that suicide attack could become more frequent after Turkey stepped up its fight against ISIL in Syria and Iraq.

The government has also been cracking down harder on terrorist groups in Turkey.

On Saturday 12 suspected members of the Kurdistan Workers Party PKK were arrested in Izmir. Earlier in October, raids on suspected ISIL cell houses in Gaziantep prompted panicking ISIL militants to detonate bombs and commit suicide.

Turkey has fallen victim to multiple suicide attacks across the country this year.

Despite fears and security concerns, many in Turkey came out to attend the Republic Day celebrations with their flags and heads held high.