Battle of the Sakarya River

Turkish history

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July 13, 2026

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The Battle of the Sakarya River was a pivotal engagement during the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1922). Following World War I, Allied powers occupied parts of the Ottoman Empire, leading to a nationalist movement led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.12

The Greek army advanced into Anatolia, pushing towards Ankara. The Turkish forces, under Atatürk's command, retreated to the Sakarya River. From August 23 to September 13, 1921, the Battle of the Sakarya River took place. The Turkish army successfully repelled the Greek offensive, marking a crucial turning point in the war. This victory halted the Greek advance and paved the way for the eventual Turkish triumph and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.21

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Turkey
The Fundamental Law and abolition of the sultanate
…but were defeated at the Battle of the Sakarya River (August 24, 1921) and began a long retreat that ended in the Turkish occupation of İzmir (September 9, 1922).
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…but were defeated at the Battle of the Sakarya River (August 24, 1921) and began a long retreat that ended in the Turkish occupation of İzmir (September 9, 1922).
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Kemal Atatürk
The nationalist movement and the war for independence
…defeated the Greeks at the Battle of the Sakarya (August 23–September 13, 1921) and initiated an offensive (August 26–September 9, 1922) that pushed the Greeks to the sea at Izmir.
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…defeated the Greeks at the Battle of the Sakarya (August 23–September 13, 1921) and initiated an offensive (August 26–September 9, 1922) that pushed the Greeks to the sea at Izmir.
Read More