Turkey is celebrating Victory Day and Armed Forces Day, marking a historic triumph in the Turkish nation’s struggle for independence. This milestone represents more than just a military victory; it stands as a testament to national will, statehood determination, and the ultimate triumph of freedom in the face of foreign occupation.
Sea-news.az reports that following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, Anatolia faced a severe existential threat when foreign forces began occupying its territories in 1919. The Greek landing in Izmir on May 15 intensified the drive for national resistance. Amid these complex conditions, Mustafa Kemal Pasha’s journey to Samsun on May 19, 1919, marked the true beginning of the independence movement. Subsequent congresses in Erzurum and Sivas transformed Ankara into the political center of the national struggle, leading to the opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on April 23, 1920.
The War of National Salvation was fought across military, political, and diplomatic fronts. A major turning point arrived when the Turkish army secured a vital victory at the Battle of Sakarya in 1921, setting the stage for the final and decisive phase of the independence campaign.
On August 26, 1922, the launch of the Great Offensive initiated a large-scale assault against occupying forces, culminating in the decisive victory at Dumlupınar on August 30. Led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this monumental success paved the way for the liberation of Izmir, the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, and the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.
August 30 remains a powerful symbol of the Turkish people’s unwavering resolve to protect their sovereignty under the harshest conditions. Over the past century, Turkey has achieved immense growth not only economically and politically but also within its defense sector and military capabilities. Today, the Turkish Armed Forces stand as one of NATO’s largest and most capable militaries. By prioritizing domestic and national production programs—ranging from unmanned aerial vehicles and armored vehicles to air defense systems, naval ships, missile technology, and electronic warfare systems—Turkey has systematically reduced foreign dependency in defense.
For modern Turkey, the enduring message of August 30 is clear: true independence requires not only historical triumphs, but also the continuous maintenance of a strong state and a powerful army.
This historic day also holds deep emotional and spiritual significance for Azerbaijan. Bound by profound historical, national, and cultural ties, Azerbaijan and Turkey share a strategic alliance, with the Azerbaijani people embracing Turkey’s path to victory as an integral part of their own historical memory. From the threats of 1919 to the glorious triumph on August 30, 1922, and the rise of a modern military-industrial powerhouse, Turkey’s journey reflects over a century of unbreakable national will.
