“Today, we once again remember the stories of the brave men who killed death with their courage and struggle. While most of those who lecture the world on human rights and democracy are thinking about how to cover up the shame of the past, we proudly carry the victories of our ancestors as a badge of honor. Those who wish to understand us and get to know us need not travel far; they should come here and visit Ahlat and Manzikert to learn about the magnificent history of the Turkish nation,” President Erdoğan said. Stating that Ahlat is one of the three locations that bear the title of “Dome of Islam” along with Balkh and Bukhara, President Erdoğan said: “Ahlat, with its 8,200 graves of our ancestors, is a record of our presence in these lands. We see each and every tombstone in the Seljuk Cemetery as a record of memory. As the Seljuk, Ottoman and Republican generations, we are walking to the future together.” “WE WILL MARCH TO A MORE PROSPEROUS AND STRONGER FUTURE” Wishing mercy from Almighty Allah to the Beys of Ahlat and the soldiers from Ahlat who prepared Sultan Alparslan and his armies for the conquest and whose brave men participated in the conquest,” President Erdoğan said: “I remember with gratitude Sultan Alparslan, the conqueror of Anatolia, the glorious commander of the epic Manzikert Victory, and all our martyrs and veterans who have laid down their lives for centuries for the sake of our independence. I would like to take this opportunity to once again wish mercy to Prof. Ahmet Haluk Dursun, who passed away in a tragic traffic accident on the way to Ahlat. Haluk Dursun, a distinguished man of science and heart, left behind many works and a legacy that is remembered with gratitude.” Stating that August, which is known as the month of victories in Turkish history, was observed in accordance with its meaning and importance, President Erdoğan said: “Today we are in Ahlat. Tomorrow, we will inshallah be in Malazgirt. We will celebrate August 30th in Ankara. Then, as 85 million people, we will experience the joy of reaching the 100th anniversary of our Republic on October 29. We will march to a more prosperous and stronger future by learning from the past. We are endeavoring to make the most of this year, which marks a very important milestone in our history. We want to make each of our victories and glorious days the ground for a new era in our country and a renewed unity among the members of our nation.”