Commemoration of the 101st Anniversary of the Liberation of Istanbul

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan fervently celebrated this Sunday the 101st anniversary of the liberation of Istanbul from enemy occupation. In a speech marking this event, he highlighted the importance of “preserving and advancing the Republic” by drawing on the historical heritage of Türkiye.

Erdogan paid tribute to the “sacrifices of the martyrs and veterans during the war of independence”, thus underlining the crucial role of their heroism in the fight for the independence and freedom of the nation. “We continue to work with great determination to protect and support our Republic,” he said, emphasizing the need to carry this legacy into the future with new achievements.

The president also paid tribute to the heroes of the War of Independence, recalling their contribution to the sovereignty of Türkiye. The evocation of memories of this period particularly resonates as the country continues to look towards a more promising future.

The Allied occupation of Istanbul began after World War I, when their fleets anchored off the city on November 13, 1918, following the Mudros Armistice signed on October 30, 1918. Istanbul regained its freedom after nearly four years, ten months and twenty-three days of occupation.