Inspired by Victory Day, Turkey to have new victories in its way
Zubair Qureshi
People and the government of Turkey are not only celebrating the 97th anniversary of “August 30 Victory Day” they are also expressing their thanks to all those nations and countries that helped them in achieving that milestone. Ambassador of Turkey Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul said this Friday, at a reception marking the August 30 Victory Day of Turkey (1922). One could see a large number of high profile guests including top military brass, diplomats, parliamentarians and officials of the government of Pakistan attending the event and congratulating Brother Ihsan and his spouse on the auspicious occasion. They also congratulated Military Attache of Turkish Embassy, Lt Col Hakan Buke on his promotion to the rank of full Colonel on the same day.
Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan was the chief guest on the occasion while among the noted guests included Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandiwala, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan, Lt. General Bilal Akbar, Senator Shehzad Wasim, Senator Talha, PML-N MNA Pervaiz Malik his wife, also an MNA, Shaista Pervaiz Malik, High Commissioner of Canada Wendy Gilmour, Moroccan ambassador Mohamed Karmoune, Ambassador-designate of the Netherlands Wouter Plomp, religious scholars, members of civil society and others.
The ambassador said Pakistan is a trusted friend of Turkey and people of both countries have great regard and respect for each other.
Our relations go back to the days when Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the commander-in-chief of Turkey’s War of Independence had stood against the occupying forces and people of this region extended all support to the fighting Turkish soldiers. We shall continue to cherish memories of those days and our relations are bound to strengthen in the days to come, he said.
Chief Guest Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan while felicitating Turkish envoy, reciprocated his words saying Pakistani nation held Turkey in high esteem. People of Turkey have rendered supreme sacrifices for the cause of independence. Pakistan and Turkey have always supported each other in testing times. He also referred to Turkish diplomatic support to Pakistan in the wake of Pulwama incident earlier in February this year. Air Chief Khan also mentioned the present dismal situation in Held Kashmir where he said people are facing worst situation. The occupying Indian forces have locked down the entire valley for last three and a half weeks and there is shortage of food, water, medicines and other essential items of daily life. Air Chief drew the world attention to the humanitarian crisis that is brewing up in the Indian held Kashmir and called for immediate action.
Earlier, Ambassador Ihsan read out President Recep Tayyip Erdoðan’s message on the 97th Anniversary of Victory Day:
“Today, we, as the nation, are celebrating the 97th anniversary of the August 30 Victory Day, one of the golden episodes in our glorious history. I remember with mercy and gratitude Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the commander-in-chief of our War of Independence, the honorable members of the Great National Assembly of Turkey, and all the members of our armed forces, who gifted our people this victory, on the 97th anniversary of the great victory.
I wholeheartedly congratulate each and every one of our citizens from all our provinces and across the world as well as citizens of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the August 30 Victory Day. The Great Offensive, launched under Ghazi Mustafa Kemal’s command on August 26, 1922, was crowned with victory in Dumlupýnar after tough battles. Our nation broke the slavery chain, which was tried to be forced upon her, with this legendary victory achieved on August 30, and proved to the entire world that our independence is above and beyond anything. The great victory, which heralded the Republic of Turkey, our ultimate state, was the revival of the Turkish Nation, against all efforts aiming at arising it from history. Just like all our victories in history, what was behind the August 30 was the courage of our heroes, who sacrificed themselves without any hesitation. As was the case in the past, Turkish Nation today is poised to show the same self-sacrifice and courage for its independence, its future and its homeland, which is sacred than our lives.
The struggle that the Turkish Armed Forces wage inside and outside our borders to preserve our eternal presence as a nation is the most obvious proof of this. We are determined to foil each and every conspiracy set against our country in the north of Syria, Iraq and the Eastern Mediterranean.
We will by no means let the rights of our nation and of Turkish Cypriots be usurped. With the inspiration and courage we derive from the great victory, we will maintain our push to carry Turkey to a brighter and more prosperous future.
Thus, new victories will inshallah be bestowed upon us with the support of our friends who trust in our country, the sagacity of our nation and with the prayers of our brothers and sisters who believe in us, as was the case 97 years ago.
I once again wish Allah’s mercy upon our martyrs and veterans, and salute all our brothers and sisters who did, who are and who will be standing with us back then, now and in the future. Happy August 30 Victory Day!”
