[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 166 (Wednesday, October 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING TURKISH REPUBLIC DAY AND THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
                          REPUBLIC OF TURKIYE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2023

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, the people of Turkiye and 
Turkish Americans celebrate Turkish Republic Day every year on October 
29th. This important date commemorates when Turkiye in 1923 became a 
republic thanks to the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. This 
October 29th is a special celebration because it marks 100th 
Anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye.
  While Anatolia, the home of the Republic of Turkiye, has been a 
cradle of civilizations for millennia, Turkiye has transformed from its 
ancient history to the modern skylines of Ankara. The progress the 
Turkish people have made over the past century is a testament to their 
resilience, determination, and spirit.
  The Republic of Turkiye has historically been a strong and reliable 
ally of the United States thanks to its founding principles of 
democracy, secularism, and equality. Turkiye boasts the second largest 
military in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and is allied 
with the United States on key issues of counterterrorism, energy 
diversification, securing the global supply chains, and drug and human 
trafficking prevention.
  I am proud to recognize the rich tapestry of Turkish-American 
contributions to the United States. Turkish-Americans have made 
important strides in several fields, including academia, business, 
medicine, arts, and culture. Turkish-Americans have enriched our 
society with their traditions, cuisine, and heritage. These 
contributions are especially ever present in New Jersey's Ninth 
Congressional district, with the largest Turkish immigrant community in 
the United States centered around the thriving Little Istanbul in South 
Paterson.
  The Turkish-American community is an important bridge to strengthen 
the understanding and friendship between our two nations. As I reflect 
on Turkiye's 100th Republic Day, I hope everyone will celebrate the 
shared values and interests that bind our nations. I congratulate, 
Turkiye, on their centenary, and I thank them, Turkish-Americans, for 
their enduring contributions to the United States.

                          ____________________