What is the Meaning and Importance of the Liberation of Istanbul? What day is October 6?

October 6 is commemorated every year as the anniversary of Istanbul's liberation from occupation. The occupation period, which started after the Armistice of Mudros, ended with the victory of the War of Independence and the Turkish army entering Istanbul. So, after what developments did the occupation of Istanbul end and what does October 6 mean for the history of Istanbul? Here is the meaning and importance of the Liberation of Istanbul...

WHAT DAY IS OCTOBER 6?

October 6 is considered the anniversary of Istanbul's liberation from occupation. The occupation of Istanbul, which started on November 13, 1918, following the Armistice of Mudros, officially ended with the Turkish army entering the city on October 6, 1923. For this reason, October 6 is commemorated every year as the Liberation of Istanbul.

WHEN DID THE OCCUPATION OF ISTANBUL START?

Following the Armistice of Mudros signed after the First World War, the navies of the Allied Powers arrived in Istanbul on November 13, 1918. Thus, the actual occupation period began in Istanbul. The occupation moved to a different stage with the official occupation of Istanbul on March 16, 1920.

With the successful conclusion of the War of Independence and the advance of the Turkish army, the future of Istanbul began to change. The way for the liberation of Istanbul from occupation was paved with the Mudanya Armistice Agreement and then the Lausanne Peace Treaty.

HOW DID THE LIBERATION OF ISTANBUL HAPPEN?

After the signing of the Lausanne Peace Treaty, the Allied Powers began to withdraw from Istanbul. The last occupation troops left Istanbul with a ceremony held in front of Dolmabahçe on October 4, 1923.

On October 6, 1923, the 3rd Corps under the command of Şükrü Naili Pasha entered Istanbul. The occupation of Istanbul officially and de facto ended with the entry of the Turkish army into the city.

The period during which Istanbul was occupied lasted approximately 4 years, 10 months and 23 days. The date of October 6 was accepted as the Liberation of Istanbul, symbolizing the end of this process.

IS OCTOBER 6 A PUBLIC HOLIDAY?

October 6 is not considered a public holiday throughout Türkiye. Since it is the anniversary of the Liberation of Istanbul, it is a day that is specially commemorated and celebrated with various events in Istanbul.