Turkey celebrates 95th anniversary of Victory Day

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey marked the anniversary of a decisive battle in the War of Independence on Wednesday.

Victory Day, which commemorates the Battle of Dumlupinar in 1922 against Greek forces, saw President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, senior officials and high-ranking military staff lay a wreath at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on a hill overlooking Ankara.

"This historic victory, which is the herald for the success of our War of Indepence, is a very important part of the struggle that starts with Malazgirt [Battle]," Erdogan said after writing in the Anıtkabir memorial book.

"We will continue protecting our homeland entrusted us by you [Turkish citizens], our beloved martyrs and veterans at the cost of our lives,” Erdogan said.

The civilians were also allowed to attend the official ceremony, during which security measures were enhanced.