President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan released a message on the 954th Anniversary of the Victory of Manzikert, 26 August.
In his message President Erdoğan stated:
“Exactly 954 years ago, on 26 August 1071, the Victory of Manzikert, won under the command of Sultan Alp Arslan, marked a great turning point that determined the destiny of our nation and altered the course of our history. With this victory, the Turkish nation declared its determination to make Anatolia its eternal homeland, laying the foundations of its deep-rooted presence that has endured for a millennium.
The Victory of Manzikert is not merely a military victory; it also marked the beginning of a new era in which the Turkish nation brought to Anatolia a civilisation shaped by values of justice, tolerance and compassion.
Today, our foremost duty is to keep alive the spirit of Manzikert and to pass on this sacred legacy to future generations. For Manzikert is not simply the story of a battle but the symbol of our nation’s thousand-year fraternity, devotion to the homeland and will to live together.
Inspired by this monumental victory, which opened the gates of Anatolia, we are obliged in the Century of Türkiye to advance with even firmer steps, to safeguard our unity and solidarity at all times, and to propel our nation forward in line with the demands of our age.
On this occasion, I remember with mercy, gratitude, and reverence our heroic ancestors who wrote the epic of Manzikert, first and foremost Sultan Alp Arslan, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our beloved nation on the anniversary of the Victory of Manzikert."