By Kemal Karadag
ANKARA (AA) – Anadolu Agency, Turkey’s number one news source, announced the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in a news bulletin dated Oct. 30, 1923, one day after the pivotal founding took place.
The momentous news bulletin was issued in French, one of the most popular foreign tongues in Turkey at that time, and the language of many diplomats.
On Oct. 29, 1923, war hero and founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk officially declared the nation’s name and proclaimed the country's status as a republic. Since then, Turkey has celebrated Republic Day every Oct. 29.
"Sovereignty unconditionally belongs to the People" has remained the founding principle of the republic for 98 years.
Anadolu Agency, established three years earlier on April 6, 1920 at Ataturk’s instructions, to bring the voice of Turkish Anatolia to the world community, trumpeted the foundation of the republic on Oct. 30, 1923.
Ninety-eight years later, the agency continues its mission to be Turkey’s voice to the world.
*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas