Erdoğan: Closing terrorism chapters brings new hope to region

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared on Sunday that the defeat of terrorist organizations in Syria marks the beginning of a new era for the region, pledging that Ankara would seize the moment to advance peace and cooperation across Türkiye's neighborhood. Speaking at a special program in Ankara marking Aug. 30 Victory Day, Erdoğan said: "As the chapters of terrorism are closed, as we have seen in Syria in recent days, hopes will grow and a new wind will begin to blow across our region," adding that his government is determined to strengthen ties with neighbors and historical partners.

The commemoration marks the 1922 Battle of Dumlupınar, which halted the Greek advance in western Anatolia and paved the way for the Turkish War of Independence's final stages, the withdrawal of occupying forces, and ultimately the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye. Erdoğan told attendees that decades of struggle have positioned Türkiye to turn a new page, saying: "After great hardships, we now have an opportunity to write a new golden chapter in history. We will not allow this opportunity to slip away."

Warning to adversaries

Turning to foreign powers he accused of seeking to destabilize Ankara, Erdoğan urged caution rooted in historical awareness, stating that any attempt to provoke Türkiye would fail against the nation's record of self-reliance and sacrifice. "Those seeking to provoke Türkiye should read a history book, where they will also see their own past, before indulging in wishful thinking," he said, adding that Turkish independence has never been granted by foreign powers but won through domestic sacrifice. "The price we have paid on these lands for centuries, as well as the price we have made our adversaries pay, is living testimony to what our nation is prepared to risk when its independence is at stake," he said. "We have existed on these lands by relying not on others, but on our own strength, and we have stood firm this way for a thousand years."

Northern Cyprus investigation

The president also addressed the recent capsizing of a passenger vessel off the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, assuring families that Ankara would work closely with Turkish Cypriot authorities to establish accountability. Erdoğan said his government would ensure that steps are taken in cooperation with the TRNC to determine the causes of the accident and hold those responsible to account.