Congratulations pour in on centenary of Türkiye's Victory Day

KARACHI, Pakistan/ ANKARA/ MOSCOW

Congratulations poured in from across the world on the 100th anniversary of Türkiye's Victory Day.

Türkiye was occupied by the allied forces after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the First World War (1914-1918).

The foreign occupation prompted Türkiye’s War of Independence in 1919, in which Turkish forces – led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk – eventually drove the invaders from Anatolia.

From Aug. 26 to Aug. 30 of 1922, Turkish forces fought the Battle of Dumlupinar (considered part of the Greco-Turkish War) in Türkiye’s western Kutahya province, where Greek forces were decisively defeated.

By the end of 1922, all foreign forces had left the territories which would collectively become the new Republic of Türkiye one year later.

Pakistan

Pakistan affirmed its solidarity and support for the Turkish nation.

"On the special occasion of this Victory Day of the Republic of Türkiye, the government and the people of Pakistan reaffirm their abiding solidarity and unflinching support for the brotherly people and the government of Türkiye," said a Foreign Ministry statement.

This day, a hundred years ago, the statement added, the great Turkish nation secured the ultimate victory by defeating foreign occupation and imperialism.

"Unyielding determination, courage and unity exhibited by the Turkish nation laid the foundation of Türkiye’s liberation, independence and national sovereignty," it went on to say.

Islamabad paid "special tribute to the great Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who inspired and led his compatriots to one of the most brilliant victories in the world history."

"In their heroic struggle against the foreign occupation through the war of Independence, the valiant Turkish nation was wholeheartedly supported by the Muslims of South Asia," the statement concluded.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent a message to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to convey my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and through you to the people of Turkiye on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of 30 August, Victory Day," Aliyev stated.

"One hundred years ago, the glorious victory won under the command of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in Dumlupinar is one of the most glorious pages in the history of your brotherly people, which is rich in heroic deeds.

"This great victory, inscribed in the annals of Türkiye’s struggle for independence in golden letters, is a clear example of the indomitable will, invincibility, unity and courage of your people," he added.

"It is with deep respect and reverence that we revere the dear memory of the martyrs, who showed courage and bravery and gave their lives for the freedom and independence of their homeland," the Azerbaijani president stressed.

NATO, Russia

NATO marked Türkiye’s Victory Day with a brief statement on Twitter.

“Today is the 100th Anniversary of Turkish Independence. We join our Turkish allies across NATO & beyond in celebration of their Victory and Turkish Armed Forces Day,” NATO's Allied Land Command said.

Turkish Ambassador to Russia Mehmet Samsar hosted a reception at the embassy in Moscow.

"Our victory shows in the most beautiful way that our homeland, which we saved with our blood, is our most sacred value and asset, that no one will be a prisoner in our land, and that the Turkish nation will live freely forever," Samsar said in his speech.