Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus said Aug. 30 is a heroic epic and a sign of independence.
"Aug. 30 is the day for us to be reborn with the love of the homeland and to exist in this land forever freely. Happy Victory," Kurtulmus said on X.
Marking the Great Offensive, the National Defense Ministry commemorated commander-in-chief Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a national struggle of heroes, martyrs, and veterans with mercy, gratitude, and respect.
Stressing that Aug. 30 is the seal of independence, the ministry said: "Aug. 30 was the last day for the Greek army. Commander-in-chief Mustafa Kemal Pasha (ordered): 'Armies, your first target is the Mediterranean! Forward!' The Greek army was completely dispersed in the battle that lasted until the evening. Aug. 30 was now a day of Victory!"
The Great Offensive-one of the greatest military victories in history-was launched by the Turkish Armed Forces on Aug. 26, 1922, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Türkiye, and ended on Sept. 18 that same year.
From Aug. 26 to Aug. 30 of 1922, Turkish forces fought the Battle of Dumlupinar (considered part of the Greco-Turkish War) in Türkiye's western Kutahya province, where Greek forces were decisively defeated.
By the end of 1922, all foreign forces had left the territories which would collectively become the new Republic of Türkiye one year later.
