This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Meaning(s) | The liberation of Kahramanmaraş | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type(s) | Local holiday / Official celebration day | ||||||||
Date(s)(Text) | Every year on February 12 | ||||||||
Historical Event | February 12, 1920 – The liberation of Kahramanmaraş from French occupation | ||||||||
First Celebration | February 12, 1921 | ||||||||
February 12 Liberation Day (Kahramanmaraş) refers to the annual commemorative and celebratory events held in Kahramanmaraş to mark the city’s liberation from French occupation on February 12, 1920. The holiday is among Turkey’s local liberation days, symbolizing the organized resistance of the city’s population during the National Struggle process.
February 12 Liberation Day (Çete Day)
Following the Armistice of Mudros, Kahramanmaraş was first occupied by British forces and later by French forces. The political and social developments during the occupation accelerated the city’s armed and civilian resistance. The local resistance movement, driven by the people’s own efforts, culminated on February 12, 1920, with the withdrawal of occupation forces from the city.
February 12 Liberation Day Theater Performance
February 12 Liberation Day Theater Performance
Under February 12 Liberation Day, various commemorative and celebratory events are held annually in Kahramanmaraş. These include official ceremonies, memorial programs, and public gatherings organized with broad community participation. The celebrations are coordinated by the Kahramanmaraş Governorship and Ministry of Culture and Tourism, among other relevant public institutions.
February 12 Liberation Day serves as a social event that contributes to the preservation of historical memory through commemorative practices and celebrations. Through ceremonies and programs, knowledge of the liberation process is transmitted from one generation to the next. In this regard, the holiday plays a functional role in sustaining local identity awareness and collective memory.
February 12 Liberation Day Celebrations
Today, February 12 Liberation Day is celebrated not only as a remembrance of a historical event but also as a day that strengthens social cohesion and awareness of a shared past. The activities held during the holiday aim to preserve public awareness of local history and the liberation process.
Accessed November 26, 2025.
Kahramanmaraş Büyükşehir Municipality. "22 Gün 22 Gece Savaş ve Maraş’ın Düşman İşgalinden Kurtuluşu." Accessed January 10, 2026.
Kahramanmaraş Valiliği. "12 Şubat Kurtuluş Bayramı Coşkuyla Kutlandı." Accessed January 10, 2026.
Karaoğlan, Arslan. "Kahramanmaraş’ın Kurtuluşunda Etkin Olan Paradigmanın Kur’ânî Referansları." Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi 17 (Özel Sayı, 2020): 113–143. Accessed January 10, 2026.
Meaning(s) | The liberation of Kahramanmaraş | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type(s) | Local holiday / Official celebration day | ||||||||
Date(s)(Text) | Every year on February 12 | ||||||||
Historical Event | February 12, 1920 – The liberation of Kahramanmaraş from French occupation | ||||||||
First Celebration | February 12, 1921 | ||||||||
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Historical Background
Cultural and Social Dimensions
Celebrations and Commemorative Activities
Contemporary Significance
