“I Saw Sultan Alparslan in My Dream”: Atatürk’s Vision Before the Great Offensive

DREAMS WISDOM / DREAMSWISDOM.COM

A Dream That Shaped History

On the anniversary of Victory Day, a lesser-known yet powerful account of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk has resurfaced. According to the memories of his orderly Hasan Naili Ünal, Atatürk shared a dream with his commanders just before the Great Offensive of 1922, in which he saw Sultan Alparslan—the legendary Seljuk leader of the Battle of Manzikert.

Testimony From a Rare Meeting

This story came to light through retired Brigadier General Bulut Ömer Mimiroğlu, who interviewed Hasan Naili Ünal in 1997 in Foça, Turkey. Their conversation lasted six hours, with family members also present. At the time, Ünal was 90 years old and recounted intimate details of his years of service at Atatürk’s side—from the Dolmabahçe Palace to the frontlines of the War of Independence.

The Night at Kocatepe

Ünal recalled that on the eve of the Great Offensive, Atatürk called his commanders to his tent at Kocatepe. After a moment of silence, he told them about his dream: in it, Sultan Alparslan appeared and said, “Begin the offensive on the 26th—we will be with you.” Atatürk then declared that the operation would commence on August 26, 1922.

A Source of Moral Strength

Whether the dream was a true vision or a symbolic message meant to inspire his commanders remains unknown. What is clear is that Atatürk understood the importance of uniting military strategy with spiritual strength. By evoking Alparslan—the victor of Manzikert, a battle that opened Anatolia to the Turks—he infused his officers with courage and determination.

From Dream to Victory

That night’s dream became more than a private vision; it was a rallying point. The Great Offensive began on August 26, 1922, leading to one of the most decisive victories in Turkish history. Through his words, Atatürk bridged centuries of struggle, linking the spirit of Manzikert with the triumph of Dumlupınar.

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