Turkey Victory Day

Turkey Victory Day

August 30

Turkey Victory Day honors the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and the military victory over the Greeks in 1922. In 1923, Turkey was established as an independent republic. The holiday is a celebration of the nation's military, the republic Atatürk 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.

CONTACTS:
Embassy of the Republic of Turkey
2525 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-612-6700; fax: 202-612-6744
www.turkishembassy.org

Celebration day: Aug 30