In brief
October 29 is Turkey’s Republic Day, celebrated with speeches and public events, and e‑mail messages from leaders in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other partner countries. At the same time, Bessarabian Bulgarians Day, established by Dimitar Todorov, honors the 1838 consecration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Bolhrad, Ukraine, with concerts and academic gatherings across Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova.
On Tuesday, October 29, 2026, Turkey celebrated its Republic Day while Bessarabian Bulgarians observed a cultural holiday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s country marked the anniversary of the 1923 proclamation of its republic with fireworks, parades and speeches across Ankara, Istanbul and other major cities.
Foreign leaders expressed congratulations. The United Arab Emirates dispatched messages from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice‑President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Representative Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as reported by the Wam. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a congratulatory cable, wishing “good health and steady progress” for Turkey, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Meanwhile, Bessarabian Bulgarians Day has been marked since the 1838 consecration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Bolhrad, present‑day Ukraine. The holiday was created by Dimitar Todorov and the All‑Bulgarian Union Father Paisius and is meant to honor the first major Orthodox church built by Bulgarian settlers who used their own funds and labor, with more than 10,000 people involved in its construction.
Since its revival in the late 20th century by the Rodolyubets association, the day is celebrated in Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova with concerts, exhibitions and academic conferences that highlight the community’s cultural heritage, as noted by the BTA.
Other Bulgarian milestones on October 29 include the 1886 election of Prince Valdemar of Denmark, Bulgaria’s 2003 membership in the Socialist International, the 2006 presidential elections in which Georgi Parvanov and Angel Marin won a second term, and the adoption of the “evro” name for the euro in 2007 to fit EU documents.
October 29 thus serves as a reminder of national identity for Turkey, collective memory for Bessarabian Bulgarians, and a platform for diplomatic goodwill between countries.
