The abdication of Mehmed VI on this day marked a crucial moment in the transformation of Turkey from an empire to a modern republic. The Ottoman Empire, which had been a dominant force in the region for over 600 years, was in a state of decline by the early 20th century, resulting in territorial losses and a diminished political authority. The Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923), shaped by nationalistic and reformist sentiments, led to increasing opposition to the sultanate's authority, especially among progressive factions led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

In the wake of military defeat in World War I and the subsequent occupation of Istanbul by Allied forces, nationalist sentiment surged. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey convened in Ankara and sought to establish a new political order. On November 1, 1922, a motion was passed to abolish the sultanate, culminating in Mehmed VI's abdication. He left Istanbul aboard a British warship, and shortly thereafter, the assembly declared the official end of the sultanate, leading to the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.

The impact of this transition was profound, fundamentally altering Turkish society, governance, and identity. The move away from a monarchical system towards a republic heralded widespread secular and legal reforms, aimed at modernizing Turkey and aligning it more closely with Western ideals. Atatürk's leadership initiated a series of transformative policies that sought to redefine Turkish national identity and reduce the influence of Islam in public life.