President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a powerful speech on Monday at the 954th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Manzikert, urging unity among all communities in Türkiye and vowing to continue the nation’s march toward a “terror-free Türkiye.”

The commemoration, held in the Ahlat district of eastern Bitlis near the historic battlefield, marked the Seljuk victory over the Byzantine Empire on August 26, 1071, a turning point that opened Anatolia to the Turks.

Expressing gratitude to the martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed their lives “from the Victory of Manzikert to the Battle of Çaldıran, from the Independence War to July 15,” Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to protecting its independence, values, and the legacy of its fallen heroes.

“We will preserve our unity, which gives hope to the oppressed, confidence to our friends, and fear to our enemies,” Erdoğan declared. “We will stand united as Turks, Kurds, and Arabs. We will strengthen our ranks. We will repel all attacks together.”

The president tied the symbolism of Manzikert to his government’s anti-terrorism drive, highlighting recent steps that included the PKK’s decision to disband and disarm. “We have paid a heavy price along this path. We have faced many attacks. We have overcome them all. Now, God willing, we are in the final stretch,” he said.

Erdoğan convened a cabinet meeting in Ahlat instead of Ankara to underscore the anniversary’s significance. The celebrations, part of Türkiye’s “Victory Week,” include cultural exhibitions, traditional sports, concerts, and events attended by ministers, ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) officials, and members of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

Victory Week also commemorates the 1922 Great Offensive against occupying forces and culminates with Victory Day on August 30. Erdoğan issued a special message linking these milestones as part of the nation’s enduring struggle for independence.

“Victory Week is one of the most important symbols of our nation’s determined struggle, sacrifice, and love for the homeland on the path to independence,” he said, adding that Türkiye must walk into the future with the same determination to build the “Century of Türkiye.”

“Inshallah, this century will go down in history as the Century of Türkiye,” Erdoğan affirmed. “We will not fall into traps or be deceived by anyone’s games. We will continue to move forward with confidence, building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Türkiye, guided by the legacy of our martyrs and ghazis.” (ILKHA)