Eastern Mediterranean University Atatürk Research and Application Centre (EMU-ATAUM) President Asst. Prof. Dr. Turgay Bülent Göktürk released the following press release concerning the 97th Anniversary of the 30th of August Victory Day:
August is the victory month of the Turkish nation. During the Battle of Manzikert in August 1071, Alparslan conquered Anatolia, with the Battle of Mohacs Victory in August 1526 Suleiman the Magnificent expanded the Ottoman’s land in Europe, in August 1922 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk once again made Anatolia home after the Great Offensive and in August 1974 Turkish Cypriots were brought freedom with the 2nd Peace Operation.
Amongst these victories the Battle of Dumlupınar victory on the 30th of August 1922 has a special place. Today is the day that the last step of the action phase of the National Liberation Struggle which commenced with Atatürk setting foot on Samsun took place. Today is the day that our nation commenced its national liberation struggle with the slogan “Independence or death…” leading to success despite great poverty and difficulties, freeing the nation from imperialistic occupation forces. As stated by Atatürk: “The 30th of August victory is a vital turning point in Turkish History. Our national history is full of great victories however I do not remember a more decisive victory in a pitched battle not only in our history but history as a whole in terms of new global currents. It is clear that the strong foundations of the young but immortal Turkish Republic were set here. The spilled Turkish blood and the spirit of martyrs are the perpetual protectors of our state and republic.”
After the success of the Great Offensive the Greek army was followed all the way to İzmir. With the Liberation of İzmir on the 9th of September 1922, occupation forces were completely removed from Turkish soil.
This victory showed the world once again that there is no force that can break the Turkish nation’s struggle for existence. With the 30th of August victory, our nation gave an unforgettable lesson to those who united with the goal of erasing us from the stage of history by establishing that no compromises will be made regarding our independence and liberty.
On this meaningful day I would like us to remember Atatürk’s following words: “Victory is for those who can say ‘Victory is mine’. Success is for those who can begin saying ‘I will succeed’ and say ‘I have succeeded’ in the end”. Once again, we commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades as well as all martyrs that died for this land with great respect and gratitude. Happy 30th of August Victory Day!
