Erdogan marks 104th Victory Day with vow to stand by oppressed

Erdogan commemorates historic triumph

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday marked the 104th anniversary of Victory Day with a defiant message invoking the spirit of the 1922 triumph, vowing that Türkiye would continue to stand by the oppressed and resist those who thrive on instability. In a statement released by the Communications Directorate, Erdogan congratulated the Turkish nation, Turkish Cypriot people, and citizens abroad on the occasion of the Aug. 30 celebration.

"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. He emphasized that the victory had affirmed the lands where the Turkish nation has lived freely for a thousand years as its "eternal homeland," adding: "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."

Legacy of Dumlupinar and contemporary resolve

Victory Day commemorates the Battle of Dumlupinar, fought from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30, 1922, in what is now Türkiye's central Kutahya province, where Turkish forces decisively defeated the invading Greek army — a triumph that led to the expulsion of all foreign forces by year-end and the subsequent proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye. Erdogan stated that the "determination, courage and resolve" displayed 104 years ago remains the nation's strongest motivation today.

"Unless the blue sky above collapses and the dark earth below is pierced, no one will be able to make Türkiye and the Turkish nation abandon their blessed struggle," he said, quoting an ancient Turkic expression. He added that Türkiye distinguishes itself through "proactive policies that are principled, resolute, and centered on humanitarian values," and does not hesitate to pay the necessary price to stand by the oppressed worldwide.