Every year on 18 March, Türkiye observes Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Day, paying tribute to fallen soldiers and commemorating a pivotal World War I triumph. This year marks the 110th anniversary of Türkiye’s naval victory on the Gallipoli Peninsula at the outset of the war.
The occasion is honoured with a traditional ceremony at the Martyrs’ Monument, which stands over the Dardanelles Strait—a lasting symbol of Ottoman resilience against the Allied forces.
This day honours Türkiye’s successful defence against Allied battleships attempting to seize control of the strait, bombarding Turkish forts along both its Asian and European shores in Çanakkale.
It was a crucial moment in the formation of the Republic of Türkiye, and each year, the nation pauses to remember the extraordinary bravery and dedication of the soldiers who fought for Türkiye’s freedom in 1915.
A new leader
The Gallipoli campaign not only stirred a strong sense of Turkish nationalism but also brought forth a new leader, Mustafa Kemal.
At the time, Mustafa Kemal was a lieutenant colonel in the Ottoman army. When the ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) landed on the Sari Bair range at midnight on 25 April, the Turkish forces were unprepared for the attack.
As commander of the 19th Division, Mustafa Kemal received a late-night order from his superiors to deploy a battalion against the advancing ANZAC forces at 6:30 am. However, by that time, the ANZACs had already begun scaling the narrow hillside of Chunuk Bair, a critical strategic point for the Allies. Military experts suggest that had they secured Chunuk Bair, the Allies would have gained a decisive advantage in the Gallipoli campaign.
Yet, Mustafa Kemal’s tactical brilliance made it difficult for the Allied forces to gain ground. Beyond directing his battalion, he personally confronted the enemy lines—a bold decision that not only defined his military career but also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of modern Türkiye.
Sources: Daily Sabah/TRT World
