Remembering heroes of Çanakkale Battle: Türkiye marks 110th anniversary

March 18 marks a solemn day of remembrance in Türkiye — Çanakkale Victory and Şehit Memorial Day, a pivotal occasion that commemorates the valour of Turkish soldiers during the legendary Battle of Çanakkale (Gallipoli) in World War I.

This year, the nation reflects on the 110th anniversary of the battle, which stands as a cornerstone of Türkiye’s history, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The Battle of Çanakkale was a decisive moment when the Ottoman Empire successfully repelled a massive Entente force, including British and French troops, who sought control over the strategically crucial Dardanelles Strait. The victory not only preserved Ottoman control over the waterway but also lifted the spirit of the Turkish people, signalling the dawn of a new era — the War of Independence, which ultimately birthed the modern Republic of Türkiye.

A key figure in this victory was Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk), whose leadership and military genius on the battlefield proved instrumental. His strategic brilliance in defending the strait paved the way for his future role as the founder and first president of the Republic of Türkiye. The outcome of Çanakkale delayed the Entente’s progress by two years, potentially altering the course of World War I.

The Turkish triumph also had far-reaching consequences beyond the battlefield. It prevented the Entente powers from sending crucial military and food supplies to their Russian allies. Some historians argue this disruption played a significant role in the internal unrest within the Russian Empire, providing fertile ground for the Bolshevik Revolution.

The battle did not go unnoticed by the great figures of the time. Winston Churchill, the British First Lord of the Admiralty at the time, was a key proponent of the Gallipoli campaign. He had hoped that the British navy could force its way through the Dardanelles without the need for ground forces. However, the failure of the operation and the defeat at Çanakkale severely tarnished his reputation, at least for a time.

Reflecting on the battle, Churchill later admitted, “I had hoped that the navy could succeed without the support of the army, but now I realize that joint operations are necessary. The Turks at Çanakkale, like a fortress, stood in the way of the most advanced forces of their day.”

Additionally, Marshal von Sanders, the German military advisor to the Ottomans, paid tribute to the Turkish defenders, describing their courage as unmatched. “The courage, fortitude, and perseverance of the Turkish units are undoubtedly admirable and praiseworthy.

With exceptional steadfastness, they fought countless battles against a vastly superior enemy, supported by the fire of their fleet,” he said, recognizing the Turkish forces’ unwavering resolve.

By Tamilla Hasanova