29.10.2025 21:12
At the October 29 reception held at Beştepe with the participation of President Erdoğan, many political party leaders attended, while attention was drawn to the absence of MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli. Bahçeli's absence from the reception was notable.
```html
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the special program for October 29 Republic Day held at the Presidential Complex Exhibition Hall.
INTENSE PARTICIPATION AT THE OCTOBER 29 RECEPTION IN THE COMPLEX
Many political party leaders also attended the reception. DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan and Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu took their places at the reception. Leaders of DSP, HÜDA-PAR, and the New Welfare Party also participated in the reception. Sinan Ogan, who was a presidential candidate in the 2023 General Elections and supported Erdoğan in the second round, also took his place in the Complex. CHP, İYİ Party, and DEM did not attend the reception.
BAHÇELİ DID NOT ATTEND THE RECEPTION
A surprise occurred at the reception. Eyes were searching for the partner of the People's Alliance, MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli. However, Bahçeli's absence drew attention.
ERDOĞAN: WE SAW OUR NATION'S PASSION FOR FREEDOM IN THE NATIONAL STRUGGLE
On the other hand, President Erdoğan, speaking at the reception, said: "I respectfully remember our martyrs and veterans who ran from front to front in the midst of so many hardships. I pray for God's mercy on our martyrs and veterans who fell to the ground as if entering a rose garden, from our first movements in Anatolia to the conquest of Istanbul, from the Cyprus Peace Operation to the July 15 Epic. We are members of a nation that has not bowed to captivity for thousands of years, a nation in love with its independence. We saw our nation's passion for freedom in the National Struggle.
The National Struggle is a symbol of a noble and magnificent resistance. Our National Anthem poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy awakened the national consciousness with these words: "They say extend your neck, turn your head, since this offer is so heavy, no one can accept it anymore. Whether they want it or not, they struggle with their teeth and nails, they strive, they look to defend their existence to the utmost limit, oh community, what they want from us today is neither this province nor that banner, it is directly our head, our neck, our life, our existence, our state, our faith.
"THE SUFFERINGS ENDURED FOR INDEPENDENCE HAVE ANNOUNCED THE BIRTH OF THE REPUBLIC"
Let us hold on to determination and struggle. It is with those who possess determination and faith, oh God, which is the right path for us, show it to the nation." With this determination and effort, our soldiers on the front, our self-sacrificing mothers, and every individual of our precious nation, young and old, have proudly carried the flag of independence. They have become one body to protect the honor of the homeland and have walked together towards victory. The sufferings endured for the future and independence have heralded the birth of the Republic of Turkey. The Republic of Turkey is the latest link in the ancient state tradition, and our republic, declared 102 years ago, is the rise of national will with the principle of unconditional sovereignty of our nation.
"OUR MOST IMPORTANT SUPPORT IS THE WILL OF OUR NATION"
The journey to crown the Republic with the republic and democracy has faced interruptions during single-party and coup periods, but it has managed to reach these days. This struggle continues with the same determination and resolve. Our most important support in strengthening Turkey and Turkish democracy is the will of our nation. As long as this will stands, and as long as it embraces each other with love, there is no internal or external force that can hinder Turkey's blessed journey. We are a nation that lives with its past and enriches the legacy it has received from history to carry it to the future.
We see our homeland as a trust from our martyrs and veterans, as well as from our Lord. Today, we are at a very different point compared to 102 years ago. We are in a massive development mobilization in every field, from defense to economy, from transportation to health, from foreign policy to technology, and tourism, which cannot be compared to the past. Without paying attention to the slogans of those who try to reduce the Republic to halls and wardrobes, we demonstrate that the true service to the Republic will be through works and services, with the enormous investments we have made in 81 provinces.
```