Today in History – 29/30 August

Victory belongs to the Turkish army

The extensive preparations conducted to eradicate the occupying Greek forces from Anatolia were completed in the summer of 1922 and the “Great Offensive” began on the morning of August 26, 1922. This exhaustive attack proceeded with great success in the ensuing days and the Turkish army declared absolute victory at the end of the Battle of Dumlupınar. Surrounded on all four sides, the enemy forces were either annihilated or taken prisoner.

Following the victory, Mustafa Kemal Pasha issued the following declaration as the president of the Grand National Assembly and the Commander in Chief:

To the Great and Noble Turkish Nation,

Our attack maneuvers, which began on the Western Front on August 26, 1922, continued for five days and five nights in the form of a massive battle between Afyonkarahisar, Altunta?, and Dumlupınar. The bravery, force, and speed of the armies of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey helped the grace of God to reveal itself. The main forces of the enemy’s cruel army was annihilated with astounding certainty… The prevailing ideal among our soldiers from the greatest commander to the youngest private was to fall martyr for the mission given by the people. I say that to my people as someone who closely witnessed that at the battlefield.

This victory marks the results of our struggle that continued despite unbearable challenges and the strength and idealism my colleagues and I recognized in our nation three and a half years ago. It is certain that built upon the decision and support of our nation, our struggle has ended in a beneficial and fortunate way for our people.

The future of our nation is safe and there is no doubt that our armies will receive divine help in their future endeavors.