Dear Citizens,

Distinguished Guests,

I greet you with my most heartfelt sentiments, respect and affection.

Today, we proudly commemorate the 104th anniversary of the Great Victory, known in history as “the Battle of Commander-in-Chief” and marked the most significant phase of the National Struggle.

I congratulate our nation, the Turkish Cypriot people and each and every one of our citizens living in different countries of the world on the August 30 Victory Day.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our valued guests who honored our foreign missions with their presence to share our joy and excitement.

With the August 30 Victory, it has been sealed once again that the lands we have freely inhabited for a thousand years are our forever and eternal homeland.

The Great Victory, which also paved the way for the founding of our Republic, declared to the entire world that our nation would never surrender to enslavement, and it also served to break the imperialist siege against our region.

The determination, courage, and resolve demonstrated by our nation 104 years ago, despite all sorts of impossibilities remain our strongest source of motivation today.

Türkiye is moving steadily towards its goals, drawing inspiration and confidence from its august history and building on the success stories it has achieved in every field, from energy to the defence industry, and from science and technology to foreign policy.

At a time when wars, conflicts, crises and political uncertainty are on the rise, particularly in our region, Türkiye is standing out with its principled, resolute and forward-looking policies centred on human values.

I am pleased to state that today there is a Türkiye that strives to stand in the way of oppression, no matter where it comes from, and to stand up for the oppressed, whoever they may be; a Türkiye that does not hesitate to pay the price when necessary for this purpose.

“As long as the blue sky above does not fall down and the dark earth below does not split open”, no one will be able to deter Türkiye and the Turkish Nation from their noble struggle.

Despite all the incitements and provocations by those who thrive on instability, as a nation and a state, we will continue to stand for what is right, for the rule of law, for justice, for peace, and for stability.

I would like to thank all my fellow citizens who, just as 104 years ago, in unity and solidarity, are contributing to the building of the Century of Türkiye today.

On this meaningful day, I warmly embrace all our friends and brothers and sisters whose hearts beat as one with our nation in the various corners of our emotional and cultural landscape, who rejoice with us and grieve with us.

On this occasion, I commemorate with gratitude Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Commander-in-Chief of the Great Victory, and his comrades-in-arms; I pray to Allah Almighty for mercy upon our martyrs, whom we regard as the eternal guardians of our independence; and I remember our veterans with gratitude.

Happy August 30 Victory Day.

Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN

President of the Republic of Türkiye