Erdogan: Great victory a symbol of Nation’s eternal independence

Türkiye on Saturday marked the 103rd anniversary of Victory Day, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailing it as a symbol of the nation’s struggle for independence, resilience and freedom.

In a statement, Erdogan said the 30th of August stands as one of the “milestones and golden pages” of Turkish history. He described the “Great Victory” of 1922 as more than a historic memory, calling it a guiding light for the country’s future.

“This glorious day is one of the strongest embodiments of the will, faith and heroism the Turkish nation displayed for its independence and its future,” he said. The president stressed that the victory, achieved through the army’s patriotism and the nation’s determination, broke the chains of slavery, laid the foundations of the Republic, and became a source of hope for other oppressed peoples.

Erdogan emphasised that today’s duty is to carry the torch of independence lit on 30 August into a stronger future through unity and solidarity. He paid tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, his comrades-in-arms, and all martyrs, while extending gratitude to veterans.

Later in the day, Erdogan, accompanied by senior state officials, visited Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum, where he signed the guestbook and reiterated Türkiye’s resolve to safeguard its security and stability against new challenges.

First Lady Emine Erdogan also marked the occasion on social media, congratulating the nation and honouring martyrs and veterans.

Victory Day commemorates the decisive Battle of Dumlupinar, fought between 26 and 30 August 1922, in which Turkish forces defeated the Greek army in western Anatolia. By the end of that year, foreign forces had been expelled from Anatolia, paving the way for the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye in 1923.

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