The Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, released a message on the occasion of August 30, Victory Day.

In his message, Prof. Dr. Özölçer stated the following:

“We are proud and delighted to mark the 103rd anniversary of the August 30 Victory Day, the final point of our noble nation’s sacred struggle for independence, rooted in a history of remarkable victories.

The flame of independence ignited in Samsun on May 19, 1919, spread across Anatolia through the determination and perseverance of our nation. Under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the national independence war reached an eternal turning point with the great victory won at the Field Battle of the Commander-in-Chief on August 30, 1922, becoming a source of inspiration for all nations suffering under oppression and captivity.

This blessed victory is not just the expulsion of occupying forces but a clear declaration of freedom, loudly proclaiming to the world that the Turkish Nation would never accept bondage nor compromise its independence. August 30 is the rebirth of a nation inscribed in the golden pages of our history. These ancient lands are now not only our homeland, but also an eternal symbol of our independence and future.

This victory, achieved through great sacrifices against the occupying forces trying to divide our country and enslave our nation, heralded the unconditional independence of the Republic of Türkiye- reborn from its ashes with strength and determination inherited from a history adorned with triumphs.

Throughout history, the Turkish nation has never accepted living under oppression and has always been ready to protect its homeland, flag, and future. The epic written on August 30, 1922, is a guarantee that our nation will stand tall against any threat.

The Great Victory is a continuation of the many heroic epics our nation has achieved throughout history. This spirit that finds meaning in the verses of one of our esteemed literary figures, Necmettin Halil Onan, expresses the unwavering resilience and passion for independence of the Turkish nation in these verses:

“Dur yolcu! Bilmeden gelip bastığın

Bu toprak, bir devrin battığı yerdir.

Eğil de kulak ver, bu sâkit yığın

Bir vatan kalbinin attığı yerdir…”

 

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our noble nation on the occasion of August 30 Victory Day. I respectfully commemorate Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our republic, and his heroic comrades, along with our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our homeland and nation. I also express my gratitude to our heroic veterans who were honored with the title “Gazi”.