T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı Muhafız Alayı

The Turkish Presidential Guard Regiment, a name synonymous with honor and tradition, stands before you shrouded in a legacy as captivating as the city it protected. Though disbanded in its traditional form after the 2016 coup attempt, its story continues to resonate within these walls. Established in 1920 under the watchful gaze of Ataturk, the T.C. Cumhurba\u015fkanl\u0131\u011f\u0131 Muhaf\u0131z Alay\u0131 initially served as a security force for a young Ankara, then a city finding its footing as the new capital. This regiment, a battalion at its inception, even witnessed the throes of battle during the war with Greece. By 1927, the guard expanded to a force of 2,500, proudly adopting the title of T.C. Cumhurba\u015fkanl\u0131\u011f\u0131 Muhaf\u0131z Alay\u0131, the Presidential Guards Regiment. Their uniforms, a distinctive turquoise and white, set them apart, a visual reminder of their unique position. The regiment’s story, however, was not confined to ceremonial duties. The T.C. Cumhurba\u015fkanl\u0131\u011f\u0131 Muhaf\u0131z Alay\u0131, saw its structure morph and expand, becoming a brigade and then a division during the tumultuous years of World War II. Though its size fluctuated in the following decades, its essence remained unchanged – a symbol of national pride and guardians of the presidency. Their presence extended beyond Ankara’s boundaries, their mounted escort a familiar sight at events, their detachments, adorned in historic Ottoman costumes, a nod to Turkey’s rich tapestry of history. The 2016 coup attempt marked a turning point. While plans for complete disbandment were shelved, the T.C. Cumhurba\u015fkanl\u0131\u011f\u0131 Muhaf\u0131z Alay\u0131’s role shifted. Today, a specialized police unit safeguards the presidential palace, taking on the mantle previously held by these distinguished soldiers. The regiment’s legacy, however, lives on, etched in the annals of Turkish history.