October 6, 1923, marks the anniversary of the liberation of Istanbul from enemy occupation. This date is a significant milestone in the Turkish nation’s struggle for independence. Istanbul was occupied by the Allied Powers on November 13, 1918, and remained under occupation for nearly five years. However, with the victory of the Turkish War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Istanbul regained its freedom on October 6, 1923.
The occupation of Istanbul began based on the Armistice of Mudros signed on October 30, 1918. The Allied fleets anchored off Haydarpaşa on November 13, 1918, and entered Istanbul. The occupation became official on March 16, 1920. After the Turkish Army entered Izmir, the 5th Cavalry Corps under the command of Fahrettin Pasha began advancing towards the neutral zone controlled by the Allied Powers, during which French and Italian troops withdrew.
The liberation of Istanbul occurred following the Armistice of Mudanya and the Treaty of Lausanne. On October 6, 1923, the 3rd Corps under the command of Şükrü Naili Pasha entered Istanbul, ending the occupation. This important day is celebrated annually in Istanbul with various events and ceremonies. The liberation of Istanbul symbolizes not only the freedom of a city but also the independence and freedom struggle of a nation. Therefore, October 6 stands as one of the finest examples of what the Turkish nation can achieve in unity and solidarity