Turkey celebrates Victory Day
Ozkok made an entry in Anitkabir’s memorial book, saying: "Great Ataturk, we are in your presence, proud to be celebrating the 82nd anniversary of the August 30 victory. This victory was achieved by the Turkish military and the Turkish people, led by you, and assured that the republic would be based on a solid foundation. Every member of the Turkish military will always remember the architect of this victory with great respect. The risks and threats that we face today are compelling our armed forces to be even more vigilant and powerful, especially at a time when certain circles are questioning our national values and when the patience and resolution of the Turkish Armed Forces are being tested. The Turkish military will continue to be the guardian of the principles of the republic and of this beautiful country."
The last surviving participant in Turkey’s War of Independence, 104-year-old Omer Kuyuk, also attended the ceremony at Anitkabir as the special guest of the Office of the Chief of General Staff. Kuyuk, together with other gazis, or veterans, coming from all around Turkey, also paid their respects at Ataturk’s tomb.
A helicopter circled the mausoleum during the ceremony.
Ozkok and the force commanders then went to General Staff headquarters to receive those who arrived to congratulate them on their day. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Speaker of Parliament Bulent Arinc, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Constitutional Court Chief Judge Mustafa Bumin, opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal, True Path Party (DYP) leader Mehmet Agar, and several ministers, deputies and members of the judiciary and other state institutions.
Soldiers dressed in Janissary uniforms stood at attention at the entrance to the General Staff hall.
The first ceremony in Istanbul was held at Taksim’s Republican Monument, with Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler, First Army Commander Gen. Hursit Tolon and Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas laying a wreath.
The ceremony held at the War Academy was attended by top military commanders in Istanbul, with numerous politicians and state officials offering the officers their congratulations.
The Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) Beyoglu branch held a celebratory march from Galatasaray to Taksim.
Similar ceremonies were held all around the country.
In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), Cyprus Turkish Peacekeeping Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Hasan Mimisoglu hosted a reception. KKTC President Rauf Denktas, KKTC Speaker of Parliament Fatma Ekenoglu, Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat, Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas and other officials were in attendance.
A ceremony was held at Nicosia’s Ataturk Airport after the reception.
