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BODRUM MARKS VICTORY DAY WITH CEREMONIES, PROCESSIONS AND CONCERTS

30.08.2026

The 104th anniversary of 30 August Victory Day was celebrated across the Bodrum Peninsula with ceremonies, sports events, torchlight processions and public concerts. The programme began in the morning with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Atatürk Monument in Bodrum Municipality Square, organised by Bodrum District Governor’s Office.

The ceremony was attended by Muğla MP Süreyya Öneş Derici, Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı, Bodrum Garrison Commander Personnel Colonel Ayhan Ulutaş, Deputy Mayor Deniz Koca representing Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor Murat Küçük, deputy mayors, council members, neighbourhood heads, veterans, representatives of political parties, NGOs and professional chambers, teachers, students and residents.

Following the official ceremony, a reception was held at the District Governor’s Office. As part of the celebrations, TCG Zıpkın, a vessel serving under the Turkish Naval Forces Command, was opened to public visits at Bodrum Harbour throughout the day.

A Traditional Gündoğan Victory Parade was also held off Gündoğan Bay, led by Gündoğan Sports Club, bringing the spirit of Victory Day to the sea.

Two sports events were organised as part of the programme. The 30 August Victory Day Padel Tournament was held on Müskebi beach on 29 and 30 August in cooperation with Bodrum Municipality and Glow Padel Club Bodrum, with free participation in Americano format.

The Karaova Children’s Victory Cup Football Tournament was held at Mumcular Football Field with the support of Bodrum Municipality, Kumköy Neighbourhood Head’s Office and Karaovaspor Club. Bodrum Karaova Spor, Mumcular Spor, Bodrum 1925 Spor and Güllük Atlas Universal Spor took part. Sports equipment collected by clubs and parents will be donated to Şırnak Silopi Cumhuriyet Primary School.

In the evening, thousands of residents joined simultaneous torchlight processions in Bodrum and Turgutreis. Participants marched with Turkish flags and torches from Milta Bodrum Marina to Bodrum Municipality Square, and from Akçaalan Multi-Purpose Hall to Turgutreis Atatürk Square.

Following a moment of silence and the National Anthem, public concerts were held in both locations. Gripin performed at Bodrum Municipality Square, while Can Ozan took the stage at Turgutreis Atatürk Square.

Mayor Tamer Mandalinci joined the torchlight procession from Milta Marina to Bodrum Municipality Square and later attended the concerts in Bodrum centre and Turgutreis. Speaking on stage in Bodrum alongside veterans, Mayor Mandalinci congratulated residents on Victory Day and thanked the thousands of people who filled the square.

Mayor Mandalinci said 30 August marked the day a nation rejected the destiny imposed upon it and proved that independence would be won through determination and resolve. Mandalinci said the victory crowned the War of Independence led by the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and opened the path to the Republic of Türkiye.

“We are not only celebrating a victory today,” Mandalinci said. “We are remembering the milestones that led to this victory, our cherished martyrs who gave their lives for it, and our heroic veterans. We pledge to keep alive the principles and reforms of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye.”

At the end of his speech, Mayor Mandalinci expressed his belief in a brighter future for the country based on justice, freedom, goodness and shared values, and congratulated all residents on 30 August Victory Day.

Mayor Mandalinci also thanked the artists who performed as part of the celebrations and presented them with flowers.