- Özvar attended a Republic Day reception held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan:

- “Even under the most difficult circumstances, our nation never relinquished its freedom. With the proclamation of the Republic, it demonstrated its faith in the future and its determination to live according to its own will.”

October 29, 2026

Council of Higher Education (CoHE) President Erol Özvar attended a Republic Day reception held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to mark the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

Addressing attendees at the reception, Özvar expressed his pleasure at celebrating the 103rd anniversary of the Republic’s founding in friendly and brotherly Uzbekistan, in an exceptional city such as Samarkand.

Describing October 29 as the day the Turkish nation crowned its struggle for independence, won through great sacrifice, with the establishment of the Republic, Özvar said that even under the most difficult circumstances, the nation had never relinquished its freedom. With the proclamation of the Republic, he added, it had demonstrated its faith in the future and its determination to live according to its own will.

Noting that the 103rd anniversary of the Republic was being celebrated with pride, Özvar emphasized that the sacrifices of the generations who rebuilt the country, working and producing despite severe shortages, must never be forgotten.

Özvar commemorated with mercy and gratitude Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, his comrades-in-arms, the nation's honored martyrs, and veterans who have passed away. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone whose efforts had helped bring Türkiye to where it is today.

- Emphasis on Türkiye-Uzbekistan friendship

Özvar expressed his hope that the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Türkiye and Uzbekistan would grow even stronger and wished the peoples of both countries lasting peace and prosperity.

Extending his Republic Day greetings to the Turkish nation, particularly Turkish citizens living abroad, Özvar wished everyone a happy 103rd anniversary of the Republic and expressed his hope that the friendship between Türkiye and Uzbekistan would endure.

Özvar thanked Mehmet Macit, Consul General in Samarkand, and his colleagues for their efforts in organizing the event. He also expressed his gratitude to the representatives of diplomatic missions, Uzbek friends, and other guests who attended the reception.