Battle of Dumlupınar
Near Dumlupınar, between Kütahya and Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
What happened
The Turkish army under Commander-in-Chief Mustafa Kemal Pasha fought the Greek Army of Asia Minor under Georgios Hatzianestis. After the First World War, Greek forces had advanced deep into Anatolia. In August 1922 the Turkish army launched its 'Great Offensive'. Turkish cavalry cut Greek railway and telegraph lines, and the Greek army was surrounded and forced to retreat.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the decisive battle of the Greco-Turkish War and of the Turkish War of Independence. It ended the Greek military presence in Anatolia.
What came next
The last Greek troops left Anatolia on 18 September 1922, and the Armistice of Mudanya was signed in October. 30 August is celebrated in Turkey as Victory Day.
Did you know?
Victory Day was first celebrated on 30 August 1923 and became an official holiday in 1926.
Timeline
- 26 August 1922The Turkish Great Offensive begins.
- 30 August 1922The Turkish army wins at Dumlupınar.
- 18 September 1922The last Greek troops leave Anatolia.
- 11 October 1922The Armistice of Mudanya is signed.
- 30 August 1923The first Victory Day is celebrated.