104th Victory Day of Türkiye: A great history of the Turkish people’s resilience. Unity and Patriotism
Dr.Syed Mehboob
Political and Economic Analyst
http//: www.thenewslark.com
email: [email protected]
Turkish people are brave, patriotic, and intelligent, and have a great history of resilience, patriotism, and strong faith; these qualities paved the way for their great victory of 30th August 1922. Turkish Victory Day, which is called “Zafer Bayramı,” is a national public holiday on 30th August to commemorate the decisive victory at the Battle of Dumlupinar in 1922. The battle was fought from 26 August to 30 August 1922, and great Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led this battle against Greek forces in Western Anatolia. The occasion is also dedicated to honoring the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF).
30th August commemorates the decisive and very important victory in the Battle of Dumlupinar, the last battle in the Greco-Turkish War on 30 August 1922. Following the battle, Greek military presence in Anatolia ended. Victory Day has been celebrated as an official holiday since 1926 and was first celebrated on 30 August 1923.
The main celebration is held at Anıtkabir in Ankara, where the President of Türkiye leads officials in laying wreaths and then delivers the keynote address. One of the big commemorative events is also held at the War Academy in Istanbul, with all military promotions made on this day, while parades are held in major cities across the country, with Ankara also hosting a national parade in honor of the holiday, currently small scaled, previously the national parade, in the presence of the President, was one of the biggest in Eurasia. August 30 is also traditionally the day of graduation ceremonies of military schools in Turkey – however, the actual date in recent years has been before the 30th.] The Turkish Stars perform an airshow over Dumlupinar. In the evening, holiday concerts are held in major cities to honor the men and women of the Armed Forces. President of Turkey, acting as the Commander in Chief, hosts an event at the Presidential Complex. Military parades and ceremonies at monuments to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who founded the Turkish Republic, are some common ways to celebrate Victory Day in Turkey. Turkish flags often adorn shops, public offices, and people's houses on this day. Victory Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
Many people in Turkey celebrate Victory Day by attending military parades, which take place in many big cities throughout the country. Air forces celebrate the day with demonstration flights. The jets involved in such flights usually leave a red-and-white trail, symbolizing the Turkish flag. Residents and shop owners decorate their windows with Turkish flags and images of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. State officials attend a ceremony at Atatürk's Mausoleum in Ankara. All promotions in the Turkish Armed Forces take place on this day, and military schools hold annual graduation ceremonies on August 30. Administration buildings and schools are closed on this day. Workers in private companies may have a day off or work until noon, but most supermarkets and shops stay open. Public transport routes may vary in the event of street parades.
The Battle of Dumlupınar (August 26-30, 1922), its outcome, which took place in Kütahya province in western Turkey, determined the overall outcome of the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923). Although foreign forces left the country for good in the autumn (or fall) of 1922, Turkish people accept August 30 as the date of the Turkish troops’ overall victory. Victory Day was first celebrated in only a few cities in Turkey – such as Ankara, Izmir and Afyonkarahisar – on August 30, 1923. It became a national holiday in 1935.
One of the largest memorial events is conducted at the War Academy in Istanbul, with all military promotions made on this day, while parades are staged in key towns around the country. Ankara is also conducting a national parade in honour of the occasion, which is now on a limited scale. Previously, the national parade, which included the President, was one of the largest in Eurasia. August 30 is also the customary day for military school graduation ceremonies in Turkiye; however, in recent years, the actual date has been earlier. The Turkish Stars performed an airshow above Dumlupınar. In the evening, large towns host holiday performances to honour the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. The President of Turkiye, serving as Commander-in-Chief, holds an event at the Presidential Complex.
Of course, the capital of Türkiye should be at the top of this list in celebration, as it was very significant in the period leading up to Victory Day. Türkiye's founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, directed the War of Independence from Ankara. Many celebrations are held there every August 30. The celebrations organized by the public institutions are famous for great military parades. People also organize programs themselves. There are various cultural art activities, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. In addition to Ankara, there are also many events in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Maiden's Tower, Hagia Sophia Museum, and many other historical monuments are located in Istanbul.
İzmir is the best choice to feel the spirit of Victory Day. Here people celebrate Victory Day with great enthusiasm and motivation. Tourists can see a Turkish flag on the window of almost every house. They can also walk along the beautiful coastal side and taste the famous food while they are in Izmir.
Amasya had a critical role in the War of Independence. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk published a statement here. For this reason, special attention is given to the celebration of Victory Day in Amasya. Tourists can watch the celebrations here. They can also explore the ancient ruins of the city.
Like Amasya, Sivas played a critical role in the War of Independence. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk came to Sivas after Amasya and attended a congress. This congress was the first leg of the process leading to victory. Commemoration activities for this congress are held in Sivas. There are also different organizations on Victory Day.
Victory Day is celebrated in Malatya as in all cities. However, the city is located on the banks of the Euphrates River. Also, the world's most beautiful apricots are grown there. .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, 30th August 2026 on the occasion of 104th anniversary of its glorious victory against Greek ,issued a message marking the 104th anniversary of Victory Day, commemorating the decisive victory in the country's War of Independence.
"Today, we proudly mark the 104th anniversary of the Great Victory, which went down in history as the 'Battle of the Commander-in-Chief' and constituted the most important stage of our National Struggle," Erdogan said in a statement shared by the Communications Directorate on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal.
"I congratulate our beloved nation, the Turkish Cypriot people and our citizens living in different countries around the world on Aug. 30 Victory Day.
"I extend my most sincere gratitude to our esteemed guests who share our joy and excitement on this holiday at our missions abroad."
Erdogan said the Aug. 30 victory once again affirmed that the lands on which the Turkish nation has lived freely for a thousand years are its "eternal homeland."
"The Great Victory, which also paved the way for the establishment of our Republic, proclaimed to the entire world that our nation would never accept captivity, while also helping break the imperialist encirclement of our geography," he said.
"The determination, courage and resolve we displayed as a nation 104 years ago despite all kinds of adversity remain our strongest source of motivation today." ( continued )
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