Ali Erbaş breaks the mold this time: Mentions Atatürk in Malazgirt Victory and August 30 Victory Day post

Ali Erbaş, the head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), who has faced criticism for not mentioning Atatürk's name in commemorative messages for national holidays and in Friday sermons, included Atatürk in his message regarding the Malazgirt Victory and the August 30 Victory Day, stating: "I commemorate with mercy and gratitude our martyrs and veterans who wrote many epics by laying down their lives for the sake of our homeland, especially Sultan Alparslan and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk."

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The Presidency of Religious Affairs has faced criticism for not mentioning Atatürk's name in commemorative messages published for national days and holidays such as the Çanakkale Victory, April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, and August 30 Victory Day, as well as in Friday sermons at mosques affiliated with the institution.

Diyanet President Ali Erbaş broke the mold in a post he shared on his social media account. In his message celebrating the Malazgirt Victory and the August 30 Victory Day, Erbaş also mentioned Atatürk. 

In his post on his X account, Erbaş said:

"On the occasion of the 953rd anniversary of the #MalazgirtVictory, one of our victories that made these lands our homeland, and the 102nd anniversary of the #GreatOffensive, which led to our August 30 Victory, I commemorate with mercy and gratitude our martyrs and veterans who wrote many epics by laying down their lives for the sake of our homeland, especially Sultan Alparslan and Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Their sacred legacy and cherished memories will live on forever until the Day of Judgment. May their souls rest in peace."