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Turkey's Embassy in Moscow hosted a celebration of the 103rd anniversary of the Turkish Republic, featuring a performance by the Anadolu Atesi dance troupe at one of the Russian capital's leading venues.

Ambassador Tanju Bilgic and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko addressed guests, tracing the history of Turkish-Russian ties and saying bilateral relations are now at their highest level.

A celebration of dance and folklore

The Turkish Embassy in Moscow organized a program for Republic Day, celebrated on October 29. Ambassador Tanju Bilgic hosted the event, which was attended by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko along with Russian and Turkish guests.

The Anadolu Atesi dance ensemble performed at one of Moscow's leading performance halls. Under the general artistic direction of Mustafa Erdogan, the troupe presented folk dances gathered from across Turkey, combining the cultural heritage and traditions of Anatolia through music, rhythm and movement. The performance drew praise from the audience, and the evening closed with a reception after the show.

Bilgic recalls early diplomatic ties

In his speech, Bilgic pointed to the significance of October 29, 1923. "Our Republic is the strongest expression of the determination and sacrifice our nation showed in the cause of freedom and independence, and of its faith in a common future," he said.

Bilgic said relations between Turkey and Russia hold an important place in history, noting that Soviet Russia supported the founding process of the Turkish Republic and contributed to the success of the War of Independence. The ambassador recalled that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk appointed Western Front Commander Ali Fuat Cebesoy as ambassador to Moscow on November 22, 1920, shortly after the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) was established. "Diplomatic relations between the TBMM Government and Soviet Russia were thus established almost three years before the proclamation of the republic," he said.

Bilgic also noted that footage of Ataturk delivering his well-known 10th Anniversary Address in the republic's early years was recorded by Russian journalists visiting Ankara for the 10th anniversary and has survived to this day. Bilgic said bilateral relations had faced various tests over time but are today at their highest level, adding that the friendship between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin has a large share in their strength. He recalled that Turkey opened its doors to Russian artists and athletes who faced sanctions in many places, pointing to footballer Aleksey Batrakov, who is having a successful season in Turkey, as an example of strong sporting ties.

Grushko points to shared heritage

Grushko said this year marks the 105th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Brotherhood between Soviet Russia and the TBMM. "Centuries-old relations between our countries entrust us with the honorable but extremely demanding task of preserving and developing this common capital we have accumulated," Grushko said.

Grushko said relations with Turkey continue to develop. "Despite the current turbulent international climate and the madness of illegal sanctions, our trade and economic relations maintain their stability and even carry potential for further growth," he said.

Key takeaways

• Turkey's Embassy in Moscow marked the 103rd anniversary of the Republic with a program hosted by Ambassador Tanju Bilgic.
• The Anadolu Atesi dance troupe, directed by Mustafa Erdogan, performed folk dances from across Turkey at a leading Moscow venue.
• Bilgic said diplomatic ties between the TBMM and Soviet Russia were established almost three years before the republic was proclaimed.
• Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko said trade and economic ties remain stable despite sanctions and a turbulent international climate.