Turkish Ambassador to the United States Sedat Önal marked the 104th anniversary of Aug. 30 Victory Day at a reception held in Washington. Önal said the victory achieved in the Battle of Dumlupınar was significant not only for Türkiye but also for world history.
Önal said the victory opened the way for the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye and stated that the courage shown in this struggle had become part of the identity of the Turkish nation. Ambassador Önal commemorated the Turkish soldiers and civilians who made sacrifices in the war, as well as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who served as commander-in-chief and later founded the Republic of Türkiye.
Önal said the spirit of Aug. 30 would continue to serve as a lasting source of inspiration and a reference point for the country as Türkiye entered its second century.
Türkiye-U.S. relations
Önal said relations between Türkiye and the United States were progressing positively in many respects in bilateral and multilateral areas, describing the NATO summit held in Ankara as one of the year's prominent developments. Önal said U.S. President Donald Trump's participation in the summit was an important factor in the meeting's success.
Önal said the region and the international community were going through difficult and turbulent periods, emphasizing the importance of unity among NATO allies.
The Battle of Dumlupınar and Aug. 30
Brig. Gen. Alpaslan Güldal, the defense attaché at the Turkish Embassy in Washington, described the Battle of Dumlupınar as a major turning point in Türkiye's struggle for independence. Güldal said the victory showed the world the Turkish nation's determination to protect its independence and sovereignty.
Güldal said the victory at Dumlupınar paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye on Oct. 29, 1923. He said Aug. 30 is also celebrated as Turkish Armed Forces Day and noted that the day provides an opportunity to highlight the role of the Turkish military beyond Türkiye's borders.
Güldal said Turkish Armed Forces personnel contribute to regional and global peace and security through operations and missions under NATO, the United Nations and the European Union, as well as through bilateral partnerships. He said Türkiye and the United States, as NATO allies, had worked together for many years to support peace and security.
From the Great Offensive to the Republic
The Great Offensive, launched by the Turkish Armed Forces under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on Aug. 26, 1922, ended on Sept. 18, 1922. Turkish forces inflicted a decisive defeat on Greek forces in the Battle of Dumlupınar, fought in Kütahya between Aug. 26 and 30.
By the end of 1922, all foreign forces had withdrawn from the territories that would form the Republic of Türkiye, established a year later.
