Victory Day in Turkey

Flag of Turkey
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Turkey)

August 30^th, Victory Day of TURKEY honors the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and the military victory over the proxies of the Allies, namely Greece on the Western front, Armenia on the Eastern, France on the Southern and with them, Great Britain and Italy in Istanbul. The last battle of Turkish Independence War was fought from to August 26 to 30, 1922 near Kütahya in Turkey. The Turkish victory of this battle is the beginning of the end for the Allies presence in Anatolia. The Armistice of Mudanya was signed by Turkey, Italy, France, and Great Britain on October 11, 1922. Greece was forced to agree to it on October 14^th.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
(http://turkishtravelblog.com/mustafa-kemal-ataturk/)

 Although foreign forces left the country for good in the late fall of 1922, Turkish people accept August 30^th as the date of the Turkish troops’ overall victory. It became a national holiday in 1935.

In 1923, Turkey was established as an independent republic. The holiday is a celebration of the nation's military, the republic Atatürk being founded, and the spirit of the Turkish people to resist tyranny and rule by outsiders.

Victory Day is celebrated throughout Turkey and on the island of Cyprus. The primary celebration is held at Atatürk's Mausoleum in the city of Ankara. Leading military officials visit the tomb to lay a ceremonial wreath. Veterans come from all over Turkey to attend the event. Wreaths are also placed on various statues of Atatürk found throughout the city. A ceremony including military and governmental officials is then held at the Atatürk Culture Center. Military leaders later retire to the General Staff headquarters to greet dignitaries from the country's major political parties, parliamentary and judicial officials, and the prime minister. A ceremony is also held at the War Academy in Istanbul, while marches are held in major cities across the country.

Military Marches
(http://www.thetower.org/article/ataturk-ben-gurion-and-turkeys-road-not-taken/)

Victory Day is a national public holiday in Turkey on August 30^th. Administration buildings and schools are closed on this day. Workers in private companies may have a day off or work until noon. Public transport routes may vary in the event of street parades.

Victory Day in Turkey was celebrated by many people by attending military parades, which take place in major cities throughout the country. Residents and shop owners decorate their windows with Turkish flags and images of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. State officials attend a ceremony at Atatürk's Mausoleum in Ankara. All promotions in the Turkish Armed Forces take place on this day, and military schools hold annual graduation ceremonies on August 30^th.

To learn more about Victory Day, visit these links: 

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/turkey/victory-day

http://aglobalworld.com/holidays-around-the-world/turkey-celebrates-victory-day/

http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/turkey/victory_day.php

Check out this video on Victory Day! 

This article was written by Tugrul O., LAMP Turkish interpreter.