President Erdogan addresses EFES-2026 military exercise

During the EFES-2026 military exercise, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the Turkish Armed Forces as a force for peace and stability. Addressing the attendees, he honored those who participated in key historical conflicts, including the Battle of Manzikert, the War of Independence, and ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Notably, Erdogan referred to the 1974 military operation in Cyprus as a "peace operation." International sources and Greek reports classify the 1974 event as a Turkish invasion. The President praised the role of the military in Turkish history and noted that the national anthem is dedicated specifically to the country's army. The EFES-2026 exercise is one of Turkey’s largest drills, involving both domestic and international military contingents. The event served as a platform for Erdogan to reaffirm the military's importance to national unity and state sovereignty.