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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Turkey Series at TurkishClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Turkish holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 8. Victory Day. In Turkish, it’s called Zafer Bayramı. |
| Victory Day is a national holiday that is also celebrated in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It commemorates the victory against the allies at the Field Battle of Commander-in-Chief near Dumlupınar in 1922, under the command of officer Mustafa Kemal. |
| In this lesson, you will learn more facts about the history of the Turkish Republic’s establishment and the events that take place during Victory Day. |
| Now, before we go into more detail, we’ve got a question for you- |
| What is another name for the Field Battle of Commander-in-Chief? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| As a result of this battle, which took place within the last phase of the Turkish National Movement, or Türk Ulusal Hareketi, Anatolian territories were saved from being invaded by the Greek Empire on the western front. The battle followed a ceasefire where the allies did not accept the terms of the Treaty of Sèvres, which resulted in a major disagreement. |
| Following the Greek army’s objection to evacuating Anatolian territories of their forces, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, or TBMM, declared national mobilization, and began to accumulate food, clothes and ammunition. For the first time, the Turkish Army won following an active assault. Both the Çanakkale and Sakarya Wars which took place before the First World War were victorious, but they were both defensive wars. This military and diplomatic action helped the country recover from enemy invasion and start heading towards liberation. |
| Today during Victory Day people visit Anıtkabir, which is Ataturk’s mausoleum and the Martyrs’ Memorial or Şehitler Abidesi. The President of the Republic also visits Anıtkabir to leave a wreath on Atatürk's tomb, while those who attend the ceremonies stand in silence as a gesture of respect. In schools as well, Victory Day is celebrated with several ceremonies and War of independence-related plays, and streets, roads, and apartments are adorned with flags. |
| This battle is named after the Commander-in-Chief Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Every year on this day, military colleges, or harp okulu hold graduation ceremonies to commend those of improved rank. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| What is another name for the Field Battle of Commander-in-Chief? |
| The Field Battle of Commander-in-Chief is also called Battle of Dumlupınar, taking its name from the location where the pitched battle took place. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| What is the most historically important agreement signed in your country? |
| Leave us a comment letting us know at TurkishClass101.com. And we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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