The Presidential Guard Regiment of the Republic of Turkey

The Presidential Guard Regiment is a special military unit directly subordinated to the Turkish General Staff, assigned to perform duties at official ceremonies held by the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (GNAT), and other significant state institutions. The regiment is distinguished as the only military unit within the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) that wears a turquoise-colored uniform.

Uniform Colors of the Presidential Guard Regiment (AA)

History

The foundation of the Presidential Guard Regiment was laid on July 18, 1920, by the directive of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, initially established as the Guard Team of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (GNAT). In August 1920, it was expanded to the Guard Company and subsequently became the Guard Battalion on October 16, 1920.

The Guard Battalion participated in the most critical battles of the Turkish War of Independence, including the Second Battle of İnönü, the Battle of Kütahya-Eskişehir, the Battle of Sakarya, and the Great Offensive. During this period, it suffered 22 martyrs and 69 veterans. After the proclamation of the Republic, it returned to Ankara and continued its primary mission of protecting the GNAT and the President.

On June 1, 1927, it was renamed the Guard Regiment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, and later, on May 16, 1953, it adopted the name Presidential Guard Regiment, as it is known today.

Duties and Activities

The Presidential Guard Regiment performs official state ceremonies held at the Presidential Complex, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Turkish General Staff.

It operates under a “zero-error” principle during all official ceremonies.

At every ceremony, the personnel are arranged in order of height into a formation consisting of three platoons, with nine ceremonial personnel per platoon. Before ceremonies, uniform and equipment inspections are conducted to address any deficiencies. Regular physical training and education programs are implemented to cope with the physical and psychological demands of ceremonies.

Units

Ceremonial Battalion Command

This is a specialized military ceremonial unit responsible for official welcoming, farewell, national holiday, and commemoration ceremonies conducted following state protocol.

Ceremonial Battalion Command of the Presidential Guard Regiment. (AA)

Band Command

The original scores of the national anthems performed at ceremonies are provided through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and are rehearsed prior to the events to ensure flawless execution. The band consists of 42 members, comprising wind and percussion instruments.

Band Command of the Presidential Guard Regiment. (AA)

Historical Honor Guard

This unit consists of soldiers dressed in the traditional costumes representing the 16 Turkish states symbolized by the 16 stars on the Presidential Standard. It performs duties during Type A ceremonies and national holidays.

Historical Honor Guard of the Presidential Guard Regiment. (AA)