30 August Victory Day was celebrated with jubilation in New York.

The Türkevi in New York hosted a meaningful program organized for the 104th anniversary of Victory Day on 30 Ağustos. In the ceremony attended by representatives of the Turkish diplomatic mission and guests, the historical significance of the Great Victory and the independence struggle of the Republic of Turkey were emphasized. The New York representative of ABDPost, Özlem Özgüt Yörekli, also followed the program on site for our readers.

President's Message Read by Mehmet Bayatak

In the program, the message released by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for Victory Day on 30 Ağustos was read by Consul General Mehmet Bayatak.

The message noted that the determination, courage, and resolve shown by the Turkish nation in the face of great impossibilities in the past remain one of Turkey's most important sources of motivation today. It was stated that Turkey is progressing toward its goals in many areas, from energy to defense industry, from science and technology to foreign policy.

In President Erdoğan's message, emphasis on unity and togetherness stood out, while it was noted that Turkey will continue its stance in favor of justice, peace, and stability. At the end of the message, the Great Victory's Supreme Commander, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and his comrades were remembered with gratitude, condolences were offered to the martyrs, thanks to the veterans, and the phrase '30 Ağustos Zafer Bayramımız kutlu olsun' was included.

The Historical Journey of the Great Victory Was Narrated

Colonel Onur Çelemli, Turkey’s Military Advisor to its Permanent Mission to the United Nations, spoke at the ceremony and explained the importance of August 30 in Turkish history.

Reminding that the Great Offensive began on 26 August 1922 with a command from Mustafa Kemal Pasha at Kocatepe, Çelemli emphasized that the Battle of the Supreme Command won on 30 August was one of the most important turning points of the National Struggle.

Çelemli said the victory was not merely a military success but the result of the nation’s all‑out struggle for independence, from women to children, from the elderly to soldiers on the front. In his speech he also mentioned Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades, as well as all the heroes, martyrs, and veterans of the War of Independence.

Consul General Yazal: 'There Is a Feature That Makes August 30 Different'

Turkey’s Consul General to New York, Ambassador Muhittin Ahmet Yazal, also drew attention in his speech at the ceremony to the aspect that sets August 30 apart from other victories in Turkish history.

Yazal noted that August 30 was a struggle fought by the Turkish people under extremely difficult conditions, and said the war opened the door not only to confront occupying forces but also to a new era that would begin against poverty, ignorance, and backwardness.

Yazal, pointing out that the foundations of a new Republic were laid after the Great Victory won under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, emphasized that as long as the Turkish nation remains attached to its national character, history, and values, it can overcome the challenges that may arise.

At the end of his speech, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades‑in‑arms, martyrs and veterans, honored Yazal with respect, gratitude and thanks, and celebrated the guests' 30 August Victory Day.

Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız's emphasis on 'Strong Army, Effective Diplomacy, Vigilant Nation'.

At the United Nations, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Turkey, Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, in his speech, stressed the importance of passing on historical victories and the difficult periods of the past to new generations.

A day ago, Ambassador Yıldız, speaking about celebrating Victory Day with citizens under the auspices of the Turkish American Art Society and the New York Turkish Center on Long Island, stated that there is no guarantee that the challenges Turkey faced in the past will not recur.

Yıldız highlighted three key elements for Turkey's future, describing them as 'a strong army, effective diplomacy, and a vigilant nation.' Emphasizing that the Republic has built a strong structure in these areas, Yıldız said they take pride in the Turkish army.

Addressing that the Great Offensive was a major struggle in which the last resources at the nation's disposal were mobilized, Yıldız highlighted that the victory had significant consequences not only for Turkey but also for the international balance of the time.

The National Struggle Was Explained Through a Special Video Screening

After the speeches, a special video screening prepared in commemoration of the 104th anniversary of the National Struggle and the August 30 Victory was held.

The screening narrated the historical process from the start of the Great Offensive on 26 August 1922 to the decisive victory on 30 August. Under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha, the Turkish army's advance beginning at Kocatepe, the liberation of Afyonkarahisar, and the victory at the Battle of the General Headquarters were conveyed to the guests through historical footage and narration.

In addition to Mehmetçi who fought on the front, the screening also highlighted the sacrifice of women carrying ammunition behind the front lines and of the Turkish nation mobilizing all its resources for independence.

Victory Festival Pride at Türkevi

The program held at Türkevi, one of New York’s iconic buildings, once again brought to life the historic significance of August 30, thousands of kilometres from Turkey.

In the ceremony commemorating the heroes of the National Struggle, including Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades, messages of independence, unity and solidarity stood out. The program concluded with the message that August 30 Victory Day is not only a great military triumph won in the past but also one of the strongest symbols of the will to independence that extends to the founding of the Republic of Turkey.

After the program concluded, various refreshments were offered to guests at Türkevi.

The Victory Day gathering ended in a warm atmosphere as guests gathered over refreshments, chatted, and shared the meaning of the day.

U.S. Post New York Representative Özlem Özgüt Yörekli followed the August 30 Victory Day program held at Türkevi on behalf of our readers.