On the occasion of the 955th anniversary of the Victory of Manzikert, the Directorate of Communications organised a panel titled "The Victory of Manzikert in Its 955th Year" and a book launch event for "The Victory of Manzikert: Turkish Prowess in Warfare and Artistic Aesthetics".
The programme kicked off with opening remarks by the Presidency's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran. It was emphasised that the Victory of Manzikert was not merely a military achievement but also a cultural movement that carried the Turkish nation’s vision of civilisation into Anatolia.
Serving as an opportunity for younger generations to refresh their historical memory, the panel addressed the spirit of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood that has prevailed in Anatolia following the Victory of Manzikert.
Moderated by Ambassador Prof. Derya Örs, President of the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language and History, the panel consisted of a single session. Prof. Refik Turan, President of the Turkish Historical Society (incumbent 2015-2020); Prof. Güray Kırpık, faculty member at Gazi University; and Prof. Cevdet Yakupoğlu, faculty member at Kastamonu University, participated as speakers.
Prof. Refik Turan, President of the Turkish Historical Society during 2015–2020, stated that Sultan Alp Arslan was a great leader who possessed an outstanding cadre of military commanders, emphasising that Manzikert was a significant victory that went down in world military history. Turan underlined that the Seljuk State was a highly advanced state in scientific terms.
Prof. Güray Kırpık, faculty member at Gazi University, stated that the Battle of Manzikert was the true representation of the principle of "Independence or Death". Kırpık drew attention to Sultan Alp Arslan’s strong historical consciousness and noted that his ability to learn from history and take precautions accordingly played an important role in achieving the victory.
Prof. Cevdet Yakupoğlu, faculty member at Kastamonu University, stated that the team fighting alongside a victorious commander was as important as the commander himself, noting that dozens of distinguished commanders stood alongside Alp Arslan during the Victory of Manzikert. Yakupoğlu stated that the finest example demonstrating that this homeland was not handed down to us easily was Sultan Alp Arslan and his commanders, who achieved the Victory of Manzikert.
