The Miryokefalon Victory, through which the Anatolian Seljuk State sealed its claim to Anatolia on 17 September 1176, was commemorated on its 850th anniversary. The program, supported by Denizli Metropolitan Municipality, began with a wreath-laying ceremony in Çivril Cumhuriyet Square. This was followed by a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem. Following the ceremony in the square, the program continued at Çivril Şevkiye Özel Science High School. Protocol members, academics, teachers, students, and citizens attended the event.
 

The heroes of the victory were commemorated
 

The program organised to mark the 850th anniversary of the Miryokefalon Victory was held at the Conference Hall of Çivril Şevkiye Özel Science High School. The program began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Following a prayer led by the Pamukkale District Mufti, a film about the Miryokefalon Victory was screened. The film commemorated the heroes of the victory won 850 years ago.
 

“A major turning point in Turkish history”
 

Delivering the opening speech, 1176 Association President and Associate Professor at Pamukkale University’s Department of History İbrahim Balık emphasized that the Miryokefalon Victory was a major turning point in Turkish history. Noting that the events organized to mark the 850th anniversary of the victory were highly valuable, Balık stressed that such academic and cultural activities play an important role in shedding light on the historical background of the battle and keeping collective memory alive.
 

“We are working to preserve this legacy and pass it on to future generations”
 

Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Vice Mayor Ali Marım said they were greatly pleased to safeguard the city’s historical and cultural heritage as the Metropolitan Municipality. Marım said, “With this victory, the gates of Anatolia were opened to the Turks forever, and its status was sealed. As the Metropolitan Municipality, we continue to work with all our strength to preserve this legacy entrusted to us and pass it on to future generations on the 850th anniversary of the victory won on the lands of Çivril.”
 

“Miryokefalon is the victory of our thousand-year history”
 

In her speech, Member of Parliament Sema Silkin Ün emphasised that history serves as a compass for a nation. Ün said, “The epic written in Çivril is the most tangible symbol of our nation’s character of independence. Miryokefalon is the victory that opened the gates of Anatolia to the Turks, established Turkish dominance in Anatolia a century after Manzikert, and led these lands to be called Türkiye. It is our shared responsibility to protect and preserve this legacy and to firmly instill it in the memory of our younger generations.”
 

“A scientific committee and organizing committee have been established”
 

Denizli Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger stated that there are differing views regarding the location of the battle and noted that a scientific committee and an organizing committee composed of academics had been established to support the Çivril Kufi Gorge theory with scientific evidence. Governor Köşger explained that surface surveys would be initiated in the region and that, based on the findings obtained through these studies, the aim was to establish a museum in Çivril. He said, “More important than where the battle took place is being able to pass on the spirit of the victory to future generations.”
 

Commemorative medallions and plaques presented
 

Following the protocol speeches, commemorative medallions and plaques specially designed for the 850th anniversary of the Miryokefalon Victory were presented. Commemorative medallions were presented to individuals who contributed to research on the Miryokefalon Victory and the promotion of the region. As part of the celebrations, awards were presented to students who achieved top rankings in various competitions organized throughout the district. The program concluded with performances by folk dance groups and the mehter band, along with demonstrations by the wrestling team and traditional archers.