Commemorating the 110th year of a pivotal victory at Gallipoli, officials hold ceremonies to honor those involved.
Turkey Commemorates the 110th Anniversary of the Anafartalar Victory
On August 10, a gathering of local and international officials, political party figures, and military commanders marked the 110th anniversary of the Anafartalar Victory in the Gallipoli peninsula. The event, which holds significant historical importance, commemorates a key battle in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I.
The Anafartalar Victory, fought in August 1915, was a crucial defense in the Çanakkale (Dardanelles) region, where Turkish forces successfully repelled Allied attacks. This victory was a decisive moment in the August Offensive, a significant phase of the battle to take the Gallipoli peninsula from Ottoman forces.
The gathering, which included Çanakkale Governor Omer Toraman, Second Corps Commander Rasim Yaldız, and foreign representatives, observed a moment of silence and laid wreaths at a monument in remembrance of the fallen heroes.
In his commemoration, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Ozguhr Ozel referred to the Gallipoli victory as "the brightest symbol of our nation's will for independence." Ozguhr Ozel also expressed gratitude, mercy, and respect towards Ataturk and all the martyrs.
The leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), via their X account, honored Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his comrades-in-arms with "grace and gratitude." The spokesperson for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Omer Celik, described the Gallipoli victory as "one of the pillars of our nation's will to live freely."
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commemorated the anniversary by praising the Anafartalar Victory in a post on social media, expressing gratitude towards all heroes, martyrs, and veterans, particularly modern Turkey's founder, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Politicians across the spectrum shared messages on social media to commemorate the anniversary, highlighting the enduring national and military significance of the Anafartalar Victory. The event is central to Turkish identity and is often linked with the rise of Atatürk as a national leader due to his role during the defense of Gallipoli.
The Anafartalar Victory is historically significant because it was a pivotal defense during the Gallipoli Campaign, shaped the eventual outcome of the campaign, and laid foundations for Turkish national pride and independence. This victory is commemorated annually, reflecting its enduring national and military significance.
The commemorative event also witnessed political figures expressing their views on general-news platforms, acknowledging the Anafartalar Victory as a symbol of Turkish independence and national pride. After the historical gathering, sports channels broadcasted documentaries and discussions revolving around the Gallipoli Campaign, emphasizing the significance of the Anafartalar Victory in sports history as well, due to the determined resilience of the Turkish forces.
