What were the key battles of the Turkish War of Independence?

The Turkish War of Independence was fought between 1919 and 1923, and led to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. During this time, Turkish forces, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, fought against foreign powers, including Greece, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, as well as against internal enemies, such as Kurdish tribes and Armenian militia groups. The war was characterized by a series of key battles that were fought throughout the country, some of which were decisive in determining the outcome of the conflict.

One of the earliest and most important battles was the Battle of Sakarya, which took place in August and September of 1921. The Turkish army, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was able to repel a major Greek offensive, which had been launched in an attempt to capture Ankara, the capital of the Turkish National Movement. The Battle of Sakarya is considered a turning point in the war, as it marked the beginning of the Turkish counteroffensive.

Another important battle was the Battle of Dumlupınar, which took place in August of 1922. This battle was the final major engagement of the war, and resulted in a decisive Turkish victory. The Greek army, which had been advancing through western Anatolia, was routed by the Turkish forces, and was forced to withdraw from the country altogether. The Battle of Dumlupınar is considered one of the most significant battles in Turkish history, and is celebrated annually as Victory Day on August 30.

Other key battles of the Turkish War of Independence include the Battle of Inönü, the Battle of Kütahya-Eskişehir, and the Battle of İzmir. Each of these battles played an important role in shaping the outcome of the war, and helped to establish Turkey as an independent and sovereign nation.