Türkiye commemorates 103rd anniversary of Great Offensive against Greek occupation
Nation remembers 1922 victory that paved way for Republic, leaders stress unity and defiance against imperialism
ISTANBUL, Türkiye (MNTV) — Türkiye on Tuesday marked the 103rd anniversary of the Great Offensive, the decisive 1922 military campaign led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk that brought an end to the Allied-backed Greek occupation and cleared the path for the founding of the Republic.
The commemorations, held in Afyonkarahisar’s Şuhut district where the offensive was launched, gathered senior officials including Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş.
In his address, Kurtulmuş hailed the historic victory as a defining moment in the Turkish nation’s struggle against foreign domination.
“With unity, courage, and sacrifice, this nation resisted imperialism and achieved liberation,” Kurtulmuş said. “Aug. 26 carries deep significance for our history, linking the victory of Manzikert in 1071 with the Great Offensive of 1922. Both secured Anatolia as our homeland.”
Kurtulmuş noted that the struggle unfolded at a time when the Ottoman Empire was collapsing, the country was impoverished, and foreign powers had occupied much of Anatolia.
From resistance to liberation
Following World War I, the Armistice of Mudros allowed Allied forces to occupy key regions of Anatolia. Greek troops, backed by Britain and other powers, landed in Izmir in May 1919 and pressed inland.
In response, local resistance groups formed the Kuvayi Milliye movement, rallying under Mustafa Kemal, who had already distinguished himself at Gallipoli.
The opening of the Grand National Assembly in Ankara in 1920 gave political leadership to the independence struggle. After halting the Greek advance in the 1921 Battle of Sakarya, Turkish forces spent nearly a year preparing for a decisive counter-offensive.
Legacy of unity and resilience
In his remarks, Kurtulmuş emphasized that the Great Offensive was more than a military success—it represented a national awakening built on solidarity and resolve. “It was not only a march from Şuhut to Izmir, but a march of determination, unity, and brotherhood,” he said.
Victory Week ceremonies across Türkiye this year honored the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians who fought for independence.
The liberation of Afyonkarahisar, Kütahya, Gediz, Tavşanlı, Emet, and ultimately Izmir highlighted the speed and decisiveness of the campaign.
The Great Offensive, culminating in the victory at Dumlupınar, remains one of the most significant achievements in Turkish military history, serving as a reminder of resilience in the face of national challenges.
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