Turkish leaders commemorate 104th Victory Day

Parliament speaker leads commemorations

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus on Sunday marked the 104th anniversary of Victory Day, describing Aug. 30 as a triumph through which the Turkish nation "declared to the entire world that it would never accept captivity." Kurtulmus posted his remarks on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, saying Türkiye's duty is to carry the legacy of its ancestors into the future. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also congratulated the nation and commemorated Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, his comrades-in-arms, martyrs, and veterans.

Cabinet ministers stress national resolve

Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said the victory was one of the strongest manifestations of the Turkish nation's "unshakable will," stressing that Türkiye continues on its path as a strong and self-confident country whose influence is growing regionally and globally. Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas described the date as "not merely a date," but "a guide for our present and the direction of our future." Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu noted that the will that opened the gates of Anatolia in 1071 once again declared to the world in 1922 that these lands are the eternal Turkish homeland.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that the Great Victory demonstrated Türkiye's determination to live freely and independently, adding that the country would continue working toward a fully independent, strong, and prosperous future. Trade Minister Omer Bolat described Aug. 30 as an exceptional day when Türkiye's struggle for independence was crowned with victory, while Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu called it the name of the great victory written by the nation with its love of independence and freedom. Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Isikhan described the date as a symbol of the nation's refusal to accept subjugation, and Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak also commemorated Ataturk and all heroes of the National Struggle.

Historic victory paved way for republic

Victory Day marks the final battle in western Anatolia against Greek forces in 1922 and is dedicated to the Turkish Armed Forces. Turkish forces fought the Battle of Dumlupinar from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30 in what is now Türkiye's central Kutahya province, where the invading Greek army was decisively defeated. By the end of 1922, all foreign forces had been expelled from territories that collectively became the Republic of Türkiye one year later.