On August 28, 2025, the Ambassador of Turkey to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Metin Feyzioğlu, together with the Turkish Military Attaché, Colonel Cem Tekin, hosted a reception at the Turkish Embassy in Prague to mark Victory Day of Turkey. The event brought together representatives of Czech politics, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of Turkey, all of whom gathered to commemorate one of the most important dates in modern Turkish history.

Both Ambassador Feyzioğlu and Colonel Tekin addressed the audience in their formal remarks, emphasizing the historic significance of Victory Day and its continued resonance for Turkey’s national identity. Their speeches also highlighted Turkey’s aspirations in today’s international community and reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Czech Republic and Europe more broadly.

The reception was well attended, with numerous ambassadors and diplomats from partner countries present. The festive setting of the embassy, adorned with Turkish flags and cultural motifs, underscored the solemnity of the occasion while also offering an atmosphere of warm hospitality.

The Historical Background of Victory Day

Victory Day of Turkey (Zafer Bayramı) is celebrated annually on August 30. It commemorates the decisive victory of the Turkish forces at the Battle of Dumlupınar in 1922, during the final stage of the Turkish War of Independence.

The war itself had followed the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, when parts of Anatolia were occupied by foreign powers under the Treaty of Sèvres. Under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the nationalist movement organized resistance and mobilized forces to secure Turkish sovereignty.

The Battle of Dumlupınar, fought against Greek forces, marked the turning point that effectively sealed victory for the Turkish nationalists. Following this triumph, foreign occupying armies withdrew, and the path was cleared for the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923.

Victory Day is therefore not only a military commemoration but also a celebration of national unity, independence, and resilience. In Turkey, it is observed with military parades, ceremonies at monuments, and official speeches by political leaders. Turkish embassies and consulates worldwide, including in Prague, organize receptions to mark the day together with their host nations.

Speeches at the Embassy

At the Prague celebration, Ambassador Metin Feyzioğlu highlighted the symbolic importance of August 30 as a moment of pride for the Turkish people, uniting the nation across generations. He emphasized that the spirit of independence embodied by the War of Liberation continues to inspire Turkey’s role on the international stage.

Colonel Cem Tekin, the Military Attaché, in his remarks paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the War of Independence. He also underlined the strength of the Turkish armed forces today, which remain a cornerstone of NATO and regional security.

Both speeches reflected not only a look back at history but also a commitment to present and future cooperation between Turkey, its allies, and partner nations.

Czech–Turkish Relations Today

Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Czech Republic date back to the early 1920s, shortly after the foundation of modern Turkey and the establishment of Czechoslovakia. Over the decades, the two countries have developed pragmatic ties in multiple fields.

– Politics and Diplomacy: The Czech Republic and Turkey maintain regular diplomatic exchanges, with both sides recognizing the strategic importance of dialogue between Europe and Turkey. Ankara is an important partner in NATO, where Prague values Turkey’s geographic position and its contributions to alliance security.
– Economy and Trade: Economic relations have steadily grown, with bilateral trade covering machinery, automotive parts, textiles, and consumer goods. Turkish investments in the Czech Republic, and Czech technology exports to Turkey, illustrate the complementarity of both economies.
– Culture and People-to-People Ties: Tourism and cultural exchange are important pillars of the relationship. Turkish tourism is popular among Czech travelers, while Turkish culture is increasingly visible in Prague through community initiatives and embassy-hosted events.
– European Context: The Czech Republic, as an EU member, supports dialogue with Turkey even amid broader debates about Turkey’s EU accession process and democratic reforms. Prague has consistently expressed that constructive engagement with Ankara is essential for regional stability, especially in relation to migration, energy, and security challenges.

Conclusion

The Victory Day celebration at the Turkish Embassy in Prague served both as a solemn commemoration of a pivotal moment in Turkish history and as a diplomatic occasion that underlined the enduring partnership between Turkey and the Czech Republic.

By bringing together Czech officials, foreign diplomats, and the Turkish community, the event highlighted the role of remembrance in strengthening international friendships. As Turkey celebrates its national pride and independence, the Prague reception demonstrated that the legacy of Victory Day continues to resonate far beyond Turkey’s borders—reminding both nations of the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and shared values in an uncertain world.