Republic Day Message
Ziyatdin Kassanov, President of the World Union of Ahıska Turks (DATÜB)
On the 102nd anniversary of our Republic, we celebrate with pride, joy, and heartfelt gratitude.
As Ahıska Turks, though history has scattered us across different lands, we have always regarded the Republic of Türkiye as our ancestral homeland. This land has offered us not only a country, but also safety, warmth, and a sacred connection to our roots.
From past to present, thanks to the educational opportunities, social support, and cultural preservation efforts extended by the Republic of Türkiye, we have been able to preserve our identity and traditions with pride, and to exist as a united and strong community across the world.
Wherever we may be, we stand under the same flag—drawing strength from our unity, our history, and our unbreakable bonds of brotherhood as we honor our past and walk with hope toward the future.
On this meaningful day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the founders of our Republic and to the Republic of Türkiye for its trust, support, and embrace. Thanks to this unwavering care, the Ahıska Turks have been able to safeguard their culture, heritage, and sense of history for generations.
As we mark the 102nd anniversary of our Republic, we reaffirm our commitment to seeing Türkiye as our homeland, to keeping our culture alive, and to passing on the values of our Republic to future generations.
Today, we look back on our past with gratitude, look ahead to the future with hope, and once again feel the priceless value of our Republic deep in our hearts.
Happy 102nd Anniversary of our Republic!
Empowered by our unity, we move forward with confidence and hope.
— Ziyatdin Kassanov
President, World Union of Ahıska Turks (DATÜB)