Brussels, August 29, 2025 – The Europe Today: On August 28, 2025, the Embassy of Türkiye in Brussels hosted a commemorative reception in honor of Zafer Bayramı (Victory Day), celebrated annually on August 30, marking the decisive victory of Turkish forces in 1922. The event took place at the TOBB Representation in Brussels, bringing together diplomats, military officials, and institutional representatives from across Europe, Africa, and North America.
The reception was led by Özgür Çakar, Chargé d’Affaires and First Counsellor of the Embassy of Türkiye, alongside Lieutenant Colonel Ramazan Türkmen, Military Attaché, and his spouse, Leyla Türkmen. Proceedings began with the national anthems of Türkiye and Belgium, setting a solemn and respectful tone.
In his remarks, Mr. Çakar reaffirmed Türkiye’s enduring commitment to peace, invoking Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s vision: “Peace at home, peace in the world.” He underscored Türkiye’s active role in fostering stability from Ukraine to Palestine, highlighting both its diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian contributions.
The ceremony included a video presentation on the Turkish Armed Forces, followed by the reading of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Victory Day message. President Erdoğan paid tribute to the courage and determination that led to the establishment of a sovereign republic in 1923, while emphasizing Türkiye’s continued dedication to justice and peace, particularly its solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Distinguished guests included Ambassador Basat Öztürk, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to NATO; Lieutenant General Kemal Turan, Head of the Turkish Military Delegation to NATO; and Ambassador Philippe Benoit, Director of the Türkiye Desk at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomats and military attachés from Oman, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, the United States, Canada, and other countries were also in attendance.
Mr. Çakar concluded by underlining the importance of Türkiye-Belgium relations, noting the upcoming economic mission to Türkiye led by Princess Astrid, as a reflection of deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Speaking at the event, Lieutenant Colonel Türkmen reflected on the historic significance of August 30, 1922, when Turkish forces secured a decisive victory during the Great Offensive, paving the way for the founding of the Republic of Türkiye. He emphasized that, 104 years later, Türkiye remains a pillar of global security, with its modernized armed forces playing a vital role in NATO missions and peacekeeping operations.
The evening concluded with a warm reception, celebrating not only a historic victory but also Türkiye’s ongoing role in promoting peace, stability, and international cooperation.
Historian and environmental management expert on Central Asia and researcher on Central Asia post-Soviet period. Journalist for EuReporter and EuReflect and Special Director of “The Gulf Observer” for Europe and Central Asia.
