The Republic Parade in Esenyurt created a visual feast.

Esenyurt Municipality organized a Republic Parade and a concert by Gökhan Göçmen as part of the celebrations for the 101st anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic. The parade showcased cultural motifs extending from the Ottoman period to the Republic, meeting modern designs.

The event, held at Rıfat Ilgaz Open-Air Theatre with the contributions of the Fashion and Ready-to-Wear Federation, was attended by Esenyurt Mayor Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özer and many citizens. The program started with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by speeches from the protocol. Over a hundred models took to the stage wearing costumes from past eras during the parade. The event brought together tradition and modernity, merging cultural motifs from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic with contemporary designs. After the parade, artist Gökhan Göçmen performed a concert.

“We have shown that what exists in the most developed places in Turkey should also be in Esenyurt”

In his speech at the event, Esenyurt Mayor Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özer stated, “This event has a significant symbolic value for me. The reason is this; such events are usually held in Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, or Şişli. There has been an overlooked situation until now, as if ‘Esenyurt is outside of this, such things do not happen in Esenyurt, it is not fitting for Esenyurt.’ Now we have broken the devil’s leg at this point today. It is essential that the women and men living here have what exists in the most developed places in Turkey and that they are more than worthy of it. We have shown today with this parade that Esenyurt should also be suitable for becoming the capital of culture and art, along with this fashion design, which includes culture, history, tradition, and future.

“The Republic is virtue and excellence”

Stating that the Republic is a virtue, Mayor Özer said, “Another significant aspect of this event is that we have combined and integrated it with the Republic. The name of the system framing democracy is the Republic. The Republic is virtue and excellence. Although this parade may seem like a fashion show, it also has an important artistic aspect that combines east and west, past and future, tradition and today, reflecting our values in a way.”