30.08.2025 17:41
In his speech at the graduation ceremony of the military academies, President Erdoğan said, "We disappointed all those who expected weakness in the Turkish Armed Forces after July 15. We shattered the traitors' 40-year plans overnight. We cut off the head of the snake."
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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the Diploma Award and Flag Transfer Ceremony of the Military Academies of the National Defense University at the Army War College. Erdoğan delivered striking messages during the ceremony.
Here are the highlights from President Erdoğan's statements:
"On August 30, our nation once again proved that it will not bow to captivity. It declared this truth to the world. On August 30, our nation has once again proven that it will never accept humiliation and oppression, and has proclaimed this truth to the entire world with a loud voice. I respectfully commemorate Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who gifted this victory to our nation, the esteemed members of our Grand National Assembly, and all the soldiers and personnel of our army. I pray for God's mercy upon our martyrs and veterans who have not allowed a shadow to fall on the proud crescent for a thousand years with their blood and lives.
PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN: GRADUATES OF THE MILITARY ACADEMY WILL PASS ON THE SACRED HERITAGE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
We are all participating in the joy and excitement of our students who graduated from the military academies. With the knowledge, skills, and abilities they possess, they will make significant contributions to our deterrence in our country, at our borders, and in our region. They will pass on the sacred heritage they inherited from our ancestors with the love of homeland, nation, call to prayer, and state that they carry in their hearts to future generations. May God protect you from any harm. May He keep you safe from all kinds of dangers. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the mothers and fathers who raised these young brothers. I thank the teachers and commanders who prepare our lieutenants with modern, strong, and quality education for life and their profession.
"WE ARE ADVANCING OUR COOPERATION WITH SYRIA"
We find the increasing interest of friendly and brotherly countries in our National Defense University very valuable. After the revolution, we are advancing our cooperation with our neighbor Syria in a wide range of areas, including military training. I believe that the strong bonds established by our guest military personnel with our country and our nation will hold an important place in our common future. Inshallah, in the future, we will meet again in different duties where they serve their countries and will sign joint projects together.
"WE HAVE DISAPPOINTED ALL THOSE WHO EXPECTED WEAKNESS IN THE ARMED FORCES"
We have more than compensated for the damage caused by the FETÖ treason gang in our military training system. We did not stop at just the training and personnel aspect. We took many critical steps from cross-border operations to other operations. Those who were rubbing their hands after July 15 had appeared. We disappointed all those who expected weakness in the Turkish Armed Forces. We proved to both friends and foes that our army stands tall.
"WE HAVE CUT OFF THE HEADS OF THE SNAKES"
Those who plotted against Turkey thought they had severed our arm on July 15. They soon realized that what was cut off was only our beard. We, however, have cut off the heads of the snakes they have nurtured and grown for 40 years. With God's help and the heroic resistance of our nation, we shattered their 40-year plan and scheme overnight.
"WE WILL HAVE ANNOUNCEMENTS THAT WILL MAKE US ALL PROUD IN THE COMING PERIOD"
Our Turkish Armed Forces are today stronger, more deterrent, more cohesive, and have much greater capacity than nine years ago. We will continue to support our army with all its capabilities in terms of personnel, training, equipment, and technological capabilities. This week, we made very important deliveries at ASELSAN, providing our army with steel dome systems consisting of 47 vehicles. We closely witnessed our power at sea during TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland. In the upcoming period, we will have announcements and deliveries that will make us all proud.
"DO NOT LET DOWN THE TRUST AND FAITH OF OUR PEOPLE"
From today, you are joining the ranks of our army as lieutenants. You have every right to be proud and boast about this. You have taken your place in the National Defense University, one of the most prestigious institutions in our country. You are now embarking on a new journey. You have donned an honorable uniform that is the legacy of our martyrs and veterans. As an honorable soldier of the Prophet's hearth, you will hopefully fulfill important duties with your head held high. Today, our nation trusts you. Please do not let down the trust and faith of our people in you. Please do not undermine the trust that your family and commanders have in you.
"WE WILL NEVER COMPROMISE ON JUSTICE AND MERCY"
You see the massacres taking place in Palestine. I believe you are also following with dismay what a murder gang is doing. We have never been like them, and we will never be. We will never compromise on justice, mercy, and compassion. As the commander-in-chief of the Turkish Armed Forces, I expect each of you to act with this sensitivity. The Turkish Armed Forces is a rooted institution that has distinguished itself with its love of the homeland and nation, along with its superior discipline.
Our army's ability to fulfill its duties to our nation can only depend on maintaining its discipline at the highest level. God forbid, the slightest negligence in this regard would have severe consequences for both our army and our state. Throughout your professional life, it is essential to adhere strictly to the principles of the Turkish Armed Forces, especially discipline. I have no doubt that you will work selflessly for the construction of the Century of Turkey under the guidance of the quality education you received in military schools. Regardless of our title, rank, or position, we are all servants of our nation.
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