30 August 2017•Update: 31 August 2017
By Sarp Ozer
ANKARA
Turkey marked the anniversary of a decisive battle in the War of Independence on Wednesday.
Victory Day, which commemorates the Battle of Dumlupinar in 1922 against Greek forces, saw President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, senior officials and high-ranking military staff lay a wreath at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on a hill overlooking Ankara.
"This historic victory, which is the herald for the success of our War of Independence, is a very important part of the struggle that starts with Malazgirt [Battle]," Erdogan said after writing in the Anitkabir memorial book.
"We will continue protecting our homeland entrusted us by you [Turkish citizens], our beloved martyrs and veterans at the cost of our lives,” Erdogan said.
“The determination, self-sacrifice, bravery, and heroism you showed at every stage of War of Independence initiated under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk have taken its exclusive place in history and become a heritage of honor, pride, and heroism for us and future generations,” Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar wrote in the state cemetery memorial book.
The civilians were also allowed to attend the official ceremony, during which security measures were enhanced.
