The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in South Africa hosted a 30 August Victory Day and Turkish Armed Forces Day reception at the Turkish Residence in Pretoria on 28 August 2026, bringing together diplomatic representatives, military attachés, South African institutions and distinguished guests.
The reception was hosted by H.E. Ms. K. Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to South Africa, and formed part of Türkiye’s commemorations of the historic victory of 30 August 1922.
Remembering the Great Victory of 1922
The programme opened with the national anthems of Türkiye and South Africa, followed by a presentation on the Turkish Armed Forces and the significance of the Great Victory.
In his address, Lt. Col. Erdi İŞSEVEN, Armed Forces and Army Attaché of the Embassy of Türkiye, reflected on the significance of the 30 August 1922 victory at the Battle of Dumlupınar.
He described the victory as a defining moment in Türkiye’s national struggle for independence and paid tribute to the Turkish people, the country’s martyrs and veterans, and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades in arms.
Türkiye’s Defence and Security Capabilities
Lt. Col. İŞSEVEN also highlighted Türkiye’s development as an increasingly influential actor in defence and security, pointing to the country’s expanding defence industry and technological capabilities.
He noted Türkiye’s production of a broad range of defence technologies, including unmanned land, maritime and air systems, helicopters, naval platforms, smart munitions, missiles, air-defence and electronic-warfare systems and advanced fighter aircraft.
The address also emphasised the role of the Turkish Armed Forces in international cooperation, exercises and missions aimed at supporting peace and stability.
Strengthening Türkiye–South Africa Relations
A central theme of the reception was the growing relationship between Türkiye and South Africa.
Ambassador Yıldırımgeç highlighted the two countries’ shared commitment to dialogue, peaceful cooperation, non-interventionism and a rules-based international order.
She noted that bilateral relations continue to expand across areas including trade and investment, defence and security, technology, infrastructure, energy and people-to-people relations.
The Ambassador also welcomed the expected participation of Turkish defence-industry companies and institutions at the African Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (AAD) in South Africa.
A Message of Peace and Cooperation
The Ambassador used the occasion to emphasise that peace should never be taken for granted, particularly at a time when conflicts around the world continue to cause immense human suffering.
She reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, peaceful resolution of conflicts, international law and human dignity.
Reflecting on the historical significance of Victory Day, Ambassador Yıldırımgeç said the 1922 victory was not an end in itself, but opened the way for the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye and a future founded on sovereignty, development and peace.
Honouring Those Who Sacrificed for Türkiye
The reception concluded with a tribute to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades in arms, and the heroes and martyrs who made sacrifices for Türkiye’s independence and sovereignty.
Following the formal programme, guests were invited to the garden for refreshments and continued engagement.
The event provided an opportunity not only to commemorate one of the most significant moments in modern Turkish history, but also to highlight the deepening diplomatic, defence and economic ties between Türkiye and South Africa.
