Victory Day celebrations to be done ‘in silence’ because of terrorist acts

ANKARA – Doğan News Agency

AFP Photo

Turkey’s Prime Ministry has released a notice to limit Victory Day celebrations set on Aug. 30, stating that an inconspicuous, rather than festive, celebrating would be endorsed because of recent violent incidents that have left scores of deaths and injuries.

No special events will be done, other than placing wreaths and welcoming visitors in silence, without concerts and other activities held with great festivity in the past years due to the recent terrorist attacks, the notice signed by the Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu stated.

The official ceremony will be done at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey, with political leaders and military commanders attending. 

Victory Day on Aug. 30 marks the 92nd anniversary of the Turkish victory against Greek forces at the Battle of Dumlupınar, the final battle in the War of Independence.  

Victory Day was won under the leadership of Atatürk. The victory over the Greek military on Aug. 30, 1922, was the last large engagement between the two armies. The war began with the Greek invasion of İzmir in May 1919 after the end of World War I, with tacit support from the Allies, especially Great Britain. 

In the past, the highest official level reception to mark Victory Day was hosted at the General Staff Headquarters, instead of the presidential Çankaya Palace.

In an amendment to the regulation governing national and official feasts, ceremonies and celebrations passed in May 2012, responsibility for hosting the Victory Day reception was transferred from the Chief of General Staff to the president.

With A-level protocol being implemented, politicians, members of high judiciary and the top brass of the TSK have been invited to past receptions.