We all love holidays in Turkey, thanks to the beautiful beaches, the care free resorts and the fantastic hotels, bars and restaurants, but how much do we really know about Turkey. On 29 October, Turkey will commemorate Turkish Republic Day. It was on that day in 1923 that Turkish constitution was amended and Turkey became a republic following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.

Late October is a fantastic time to book holidays in Turkey because every year a day of national celebration is observed, remembering both this momentous event as well as the life of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, an important figure in the both the Turkish War of Independence; as well as the first president of the Turkish republic. Since we love our Turkey holidays, why not find out a little about the man revered more than any other in each of our favourite Turkey holiday destinations.

Mustafa Kemal was born in in Thessaloniki in 1881 and later graduated from military school; joining the Ottoman Army thereafter. When the Empire was defeated in World War I Anatolia was to be shared between France, Greece and Great Britain; with Turkey nothing more than a small Anatolian state.

But Kemal would organize a national resistance movement, mobilizing not only army units but the whole population of Anatolia. He became the undisputed leader of the national War of Independence.

On July 24, 1923, when the Lausanne Treaty was signed by the new Turkish government and the former occupying allies, Turkey was guaranteed its complete independence with the the borders it retains today. On 29 October 1923, the Republic of Turkey was announced and their national hero was elected its first president.

If you love Turkey holidays as much as we do, there is no better time to head to its beautiful shores than during these fantastic celebrations. Flags and pennants will wave and songs will fill the air. Turkey will be in celebration. Why not join the exciting celebrations for yourself and pay tribute to the unparalleled achievements of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.