Victory Day (Zafer Bayrami) Monday, August 30, 2010 About This day marks the victory over Greek forces at the Battle of Dumlupinar in 1922, and honors those who died in the battlefields. This day is dedicated to the armed forces, which are the guardian of Turkey’s peace and stability, and also secularity. Official ceremonies are held on that day, the largest being organized at the Atatürk’s Mausoleum and including a military parade and an air show. Both the President and the Prime Minister make statements on television on Victory Day. This is a public holiday; schools, government offices and business are closed on that day. Action No acknowledgement is necessary for this holiday. Background Atatürk led Turkish forces at the Battle of Dumlupinar, and defeated the Allied after 5 days of fighting. The big attack against the Greeks ended in Izmir with their defeat on September 9, 1922. The Battle of Dumlupinar marked a turning point in the War of Independence, which ended in October 1922.