Türkiye's envoy in Washington marks 104th Victory Day anniversary

Turkish Ambassador to the United States Sedat Onal on Thursday marked the 104th anniversary of Victory Day at a reception in Washington, commemorating the decisive 1922 triumph over occupying Greek forces at the Battle of Dumlupinar and praising the sacrifice of Turkish soldiers and civilians under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's command. "The kind of bravery that was demonstrated during this victory was not only significant in terms of opening up the path to the foundation of the Turkish Republic, but it also went into the identity of Turkish nation," Onal said, paying tribute to Ataturk, who served as commander-in-chief and later founded the Republic of Türkiye.

Strategic partnership and NATO unity

Onal said ties between Ankara and Washington are "in a positive trajectory in many ways," both bilaterally and multilaterally, citing the NATO summit hosted this year in Ankara — where President Donald Trump participated — as a particular highlight. "As we go through difficult, turbulent times regionally and internationally, I think the unity of NATO allies remains essential," he added, emphasizing that the 1922 triumph continues to inspire Ankara's role in global security as the nation enters its second century.

Legacy of Dumlupinar and modern service

Brig. Gen. Alpaslan Guldal, defense attache at the Turkish Embassy in Washington, characterized the Battle of Dumlupinar as a pivotal moment in Türkiye’s struggle for independence, observing that the victory showcased the Turkish nation's resolve to defend its sovereignty and cleared the path for the Republic’s founding on October 29, 1923. Guldal noted that Aug. 30 also serves as Turkish Armed Forces Day, highlighting deployments under NATO, UN and EU mandates alongside bilateral partnerships as evidence of the military's continued contribution to regional and global stability.

The Great Offensive was launched on Aug. 26, 1922, under Ataturk's leadership, culminating in the Greek defeat at Dumlupinar through Aug. 30 and the evacuation of all foreign forces by year's end, paving the way for the republic declared the following year.