Ankara: Turkiye is marking the 104th anniversary of Victory Day on August 30, commemorating the decisive victory in the country’s War of Independence and the Battle of Dumlupınar in 1922.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a message honoring the historic victory and paying tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the commander in chief of the campaign, as well as the soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
Battle of Dumlupınar
- Victory Day commemorates the final and decisive phase of the Great Offensive, which began on August 26, 1922.
- Turkish forces defeated the Greek army at the Battle of Dumlupınar, fought between August 26 and 30 in what is now Kutahya province.
- The victory accelerated the end of foreign occupation in Anatolia and paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of Turkiye in 1923.
Erdogan’s Message
- Erdoğan described the 1922 victory as one of the most important stages of Turkiye’s National Struggle.
- He said the determination, courage and resolve demonstrated by the Turkish people more than a century ago remain a source of inspiration for the country.
- The president also highlighted Turkiye’s ambitions in areas including Defence, Energy, Science and Technology, while emphasizing the country’s commitment to national independence.
Nationwide Celebrations
- Victory Day is a national public holiday in Turkiye, with official ceremonies, military events, cultural programmes and public celebrations taking place across the country.
- Commemorations traditionally include tributes to Ataturk, Turkish soldiers, veterans and those who lost their lives during the War of Independence.
Tribute to Ataturk and Martyrs
- Erdogan paid tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades in arms, while remembering the martyrs and veterans of the independence struggle.
- Victory Day remains one of Turkiye’s most important national commemorations, symbolizing the military triumph that helped establish the foundations of the modern Turkish Republic.
