site.btaVictory Day Celebrated across Turkiye with Parades, Ceremonies, and Tributes to Ataturk

August 30 is Victory Day in Turkiye, commemorating the decisive victory in the Battle of Dumlupinar in 1922, the last battle in the Greco-Turkish War. It is a landmark event in the modern history of the 86-million-strong nation. The offensive signalled the complete liberation of Anatolia from occupying Greek forces and paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of Turkiye by the revolutionary statesman Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on October 29, 1923, on the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.

Victory Day is also the holiday of the Turkish Armed Forces.

It was celebrated with a wide range of events across the country, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Ankara), and in Turkish diplomatic missions around the world.

Public squares, streets, and buildings in Istanbul, Ankara, and cities nationwide were adorned with millions of red flags and posters of Ataturk. A formal delegation led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and senior military commanders paid tribute at Ataturk’s mausoleum in Ankara, laying a wreath.

Erdogan wrote in the ceremonial book: “Esteemed Ataturk, today, as a nation, we proudly mark the 103rd anniversary of the Great Victory. We remember with respect Your Excellency, who played a key role in achieving this monumental victory, which established Anatolia as our eternal homeland, alongside your fellow fighters, and our heroic martyrs and veterans. Just like a century ago, those with hidden agendas continue to pursue treacherous plans. In the face of efforts to plunge our region into instability, our state is taking all necessary precautions for the safety of our nation and the peace of our citizens. The Republic of Turkiye, entrusted to us, is in safe hands under the leadership of capable and trustworthy cadres. May your soul rest in peace.”

Following the official ceremony, the mausoleum was opened to the public, who came from across the country. On last year’s Victory Day, the place received around 350,000 visitors.

An official reception was held at the Presidential Palace in the Bestepe neighbourhood of Ankara, attended by ministers, MPs, party leaders, military commanders, and foreign ambassadors. President Erdogan hosted the event and received greetings on the occasion.

A military parade in the capital featuring units from various branches of the Turkish Armed Forces took place from the building of the First Turkish Parliament to the Grand National Assembly.

In Istanbul, Victory Day events also included a military parade on the central Vatan Boulevard, watched by hundreds of thousands of flag-waving citizens who applauded the procession.

Long queues of visitors formed outside the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus, where Ataturk passed away in 1938.

The elite aerobatics team of the Turkish Naval Forces, SoloTurk, performed flight demonstrations.

From Edirne to Kars, from Izmir to Sinop, citizens of all ages celebrated the grand event, described by Haber Global as not just a military victory but a triumph of Turkish independence.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has published a special edition to mark the 103rd anniversary, featuring previously unseen photographs of Ataturk, Minister Nuri Ersoy announced via social media. In honour of the anniversary, the streaming platform DSMART GO broadcast films dedicated to Ataturk, highlighting different periods of his life and work.

The programme also included the documentary The Sofia Years of Mustafa Kemal (1913–1915) by author Nahide Deniz and director Ufuk Karkas.

Security was stepped up nationwide in connection with the celebrations. In many areas, specially trained sniffer dogs assisted in the checks.

Victory Day was commemorated with various initiatives in towns and cities across Turkiye, including sports events. The Istanbul-based Teknofest technology festival dedicated its Saturday schedule to Victory Day. People of all ages flocked to see Ataturk’s yacht, Savarona, on display at the festival, according to Haberler.

In Istanbul’s Avcilar district, home to many Turkish citizens of Bulgarian descent, the day was celebrated with a citizens’ parade, concerts, and sports competitions.

Rallies and processions were held in several Istanbul municipalities. On Saturday night, the bridges over the Bosphorus will be lit up in red, accompanied by cannon salutes and a laser show.