What was the significance of the Battle of Ankara in the Turkish War of Independence?

The Battle of Ankara, fought on 23 August 1921, was one of the most significant battles of the Turkish War of Independence. It was a major victory for the Turkish National Forces led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk over the invading Greek army. The battle took place near the city of Ankara, which was then the temporary capital of the Turkish National Movement.

The Greek army, which had landed in Smyrna (now Izmir) in May 1919, had gradually advanced into Anatolia, seizing several cities and towns along the way. However, the Turkish National Forces, which had been organized under the leadership of Ataturk, were able to resist and push back the Greek advance.

The Battle of Ankara was the climax of this resistance. The Greek army, which was then under the command of General Trikoupis, was decisively defeated by the Turkish National Forces. The Greek casualties were heavy, with over 20,000 soldiers killed, wounded or captured. The Turkish National Forces, on the other hand, suffered relatively light losses.

The victory at the Battle of Ankara was a turning point in the Turkish War of Independence. It not only boosted the morale of the Turkish National Forces but also put an end to the Greek advance into Anatolia. It also demonstrated to the world that the Turkish National Movement was a serious force to be reckoned with.