In brief
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, Turkey marked its 103rd Republic Day, with NATO and regional leaders sending congratulatory messages to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Bulgaria observed Bessarabian Bulgarians Day, commemorating the 1838 consecration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Bolhrad and celebrating the community’s cultural heritage across Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova. The day also highlighted historic milestones such as Bulgaria’s 1886 Prince Valdemar election and 2006 presidential elections.
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, Turkey commemorated the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic with national celebrations and diplomatic congratulations from UAE, Saudi, and NATO leadership, while Bulgaria observed Bessarabian Bulgarians Day to honor the 1838 consecration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Bolhrad and celebrate its ethnic community’s heritage across the region.
UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, met the occasion by sending congratulatory messages to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan from Abu Dhabi, underscoring the close diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman sent a cable of congratulations to President Erdoğan, wishing him good health and steady progress for Turkey, a gesture that highlighted friendly ties between Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
NATO Allies also joined the celebrations. NATO Allied Maritime Command posted the message: "We are NATO." The Allied Joint Force Command in Brunssum added: "The Republic of Türkiye shall endure forever," and the Allied Air Command shared a "Happy 29 October Republic Day!" salute, showcasing joint military cooperation.
Bulgaria marked Bessarabian Bulgarians Day, a holiday established by Dimitar Todorov of the All‑Bulgarian Union Father Paisius, to commemorate the 1838 consecration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Bolhrad, Ukraine. The first major Orthodox church built by Bulgarian settlers using their own funds and labour, the celebration highlights the community’s cultural heritage across Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova.
The day also recalled key milestones in Bulgarian history: in 1838 the Transfiguration Church was consecrated; in 1886 Prince Valdemar of Denmark was elected Prince of Bulgaria but declined the throne; in 2003 the Bulgarian Socialist Party joined the Socialist International; in 2006 the presidential election second round saw Georgi Parvanov and Angel Marin garner 75.95% of the vote; and in 2007 Bulgaria officially adopted the European currency name "evro" for EU documents.
