On behalf of Eastern Mediterranean University Atatürk Research and Application Center (EMU-ATAUM), EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe released a message on the 104th anniversary of 30 August – Victory Day. The said message reads as follows:
“The Great Offensive, which began on August 26, 1922, and continued for five days and five nights until August 30, was planned with the utmost secrecy and precision under the direct leadership of Commander-in-Chief Gazi Mustafa Kemal Paşa. This carefully prepared strategic operation culminated in a decisive victory for the Turkish army on August 30. Under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish National Struggle, which also inspired many nations seeking to live in independence, thus achieved its most significant military success, paving the way for the Turkish War of Independence to culminate in a decisive victory.
Two years after this victory, which was greeted with great joy by both the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and the Turkish people, a magnificent ceremony was held in Dumlupınar on August 30, 1924, with the participation of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Paşa, Commander-in-Chief of the Great Victory. As the victory was celebrated, the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their homeland were also commemorated with gratitude and reverence. In his address at the ceremony, Atatürk emphasized the profound significance of the Great Victory for the Turkish nation. Two years after this historic commemoration, the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye enacted legislation designating August 30 as a day of celebration for the Turkish Armed Forces. Since then, August 30 Victory Day has been celebrated each year with great pride, enthusiasm and a profound sense of national unity through ceremonies and events held across the Republic of Türkiye, at its diplomatic missions abroad and in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The historic victory achieved through the Great Offensive once again demonstrated to the world the determination, resolve and unwavering commitment of the Turkish nation to independence, bringing its struggle for freedom and independence to a successful conclusion. One of the most significant outcomes of the victory was the decisive establishment of the principle of national sovereignty. Achieved under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this great triumph demonstrated the Turkish nation’s determination to uphold its sovereign rights and became one of the most powerful symbols of the process leading to the establishment of the modern, independent and fully sovereign Republic of Türkiye.
The August 30 Victory represents not only a military triumph but also a historic turning point demonstrating that the Turkish nation can overcome even the greatest challenges when united in solidarity and common purpose. As one of the strongest expressions of independence, national will and devotion to the homeland, the legacy of this great victory continues to be passed down from generation to generation, inspiring our nation to safeguard and uphold the fundamental values of the Republic. In this respect, August 30 is not only the anniversary of a great military victory achieved in the past, but also one of the most meaningful symbols of confidence in the future, national unity and commitment to the Republic.
On this meaningful occasion, I proudly commemorate the 104th anniversary of August 30 Victory Day. I remember with profound respect, gratitude and reverence Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Founder of our Republic, his comrades-in-arms, and our cherished martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our independence, and I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to our heroic veterans.”