1071 Alparslans mark Battle of Manzikert

MUŞ - Doğan News Agency

‘The spirit and idealism of the victory at Malazgirt are the elements that strengthen the principles of Turkish Republic,’ Erdoğan says. DHA photo

A total of 1071 young men named Alparslan from across Turkey gathered in the Malazgirt district of the eastern province of Muş to mark the Battle of Manzikert, the victory of the Seljuk Sultan Alparslan against the Byzantine Empire in back in 1071.

A total of 71 tents, resembling the ones used by the Turks back in 1071, were brought from Kyrgyzstan for the ceremonies the Battle of Manzikert which was fought near Manzikert (modern Malazgirt in the eastern province of Muş), and known as the battled that opened the gates of Anatolia to Turks.

‘The common destiny of Turks, Kurds, Arabs’

Youth and Sports Minister Suat Kılıç and Development Minister Cevdet Yılmaz attended the ceremonies which started with the morning prayer on the grounds where the battle was held in 1071. A moment of silence was held and the national anthem was sung. Passages from the Quran were read for the victorious Seljuk sultan Alparslan and the martyr.

The provincial Mufti Recep Uzun prayed for the soldiers lost in the battle 942 years ago.

Malazgirt district governor Abdullah Atakan Atasoy, Muş Gov. Vedat Büyükersoy and Development Minister Yılmaz held speeches.

“The common destiny of Kurds, Turks and Arabs is written in this valley 942 years ago. This is why we say that our destiny is one, Malazgirt 1071… Sultan Alparslan and his army were shoulder to shoulder to create a common future on that day,” said Kılıç, addressing the participants of the ceremony.

An actor representing Sultan Alparslan entered the scene along with his soldier after the speeches.
The actor representing Alparslan gave a key to Kılıç as a symbol of the key to Anatolia.