In brief
October 29 is Turkey’s Republic Day, celebrated by leaders worldwide, and Bessarabian Bulgarians’ Day, honoring the 1838 cathedral in Bolhrad. Reuters‑style facts show diplomatic messages from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while BTA’s piece outlines Bulgarian milestones linked to the holiday.
October 29 this year was a day of celebration in two communities. In Turkey, it marks the Republic Day that began when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk declared the republic in 1923. In the Bulgarian‑diaspora, the day is Bessarabian Bulgarians’ Day, a holiday that commemorates the 1838 consecration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Bolhrad, Ukraine. Each observance showcases a different slice of history and culture.
BTA reported that the Turkish Republic was founded on 29 October 1923. The same bulletin lists that 29 October is also Bessarabian Bulgarians’ Day in Bulgaria. It also gives a brief timeline of Bulgarian milestones on that date, such as the 1838 church, events in 1886, and the adoption of the Bulgarian version of the euro in 2007. BTA’s piece stays short and factual without commentary.
WAM recorded that on the same day, emirates leaders sent Congratulatory messages to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan from Abu Dhabi. The messages were delivered by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These messages reflected a diplomatic bond between the UAE and Turkey.
Saudi Press Agency added that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a congratulatory cable to President Erdoğan, wishing him “good health and steady progress.” The cable emphasized friendly ties between Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
In Bulgaria, BTA’s article on Bessarabian Bulgarians’ Day credits Dimitar Todorov, the secretary general of the All‑Bulgarian Union Father Paisius, with launching the holiday. The day was inspired by the construction of the first major Orthodox church by Bulgarian settlers. Since its revival in the late 20th‑century, celebrations—concerts, exhibitions and academic conferences—take place in Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova, allowing those communities to honor their heritage.
The holiday’s figures highlight the wide participation of communities. In 1838, more than 10,000 settlers worked on the church, and today the Bessarabian Bulgarian community keeps its traditions alive across borders.
