August 30 - Victory Day

Victory Day (Turkish: Zafer Bayramı), also known as Turkish Armed Forces Day, is a public holiday  commemorating the decisive victory in the Battle of Dumlupınar, on August 30, 1922.

The Battle of Dumlupınar was the last battle in the Greco-Turkish War. Victory Day has been celebrated as an official holiday since 1926, and was first celebrated on 30 August 1923. Fun fact: All public transportation is free on this day.

Pictures were taken in Taksim Square which according to Wikipedia, is considered the heart of modern Istanbul. Taksim Square is also the location of the Republic Monument, which commemorates the 5th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, following the Turkish War of Independence.

Both Sunday and Monday don’t seem to have a whole lot going on in Istanbul. Shops are closed, all the kebab places are shut down, and the only things open are gyms and supermarkets.