The Gallipoli Campaign (known in Turkey as Çanakkale Savaşı), was a campaign in the First World War that took place on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Today (18 March), Turkey commemorates the 105th anniversary of the Ottoman Empire’s World War One victory over Allied fleets that were attempting to break through the Strait of Dardanelles in the northwestern province of Çanakkale.
Official ceremonies will take place around Turkey however, due to the COVID-19 virus, these ceremonies are closed to the public.
Britain and France, sought to weaken the Ottoman Empire by taking control of the straits that provided a supply route to Russia. In February 1915, the invaders launched a naval attack followed by an amphibious landing on the peninsula, to capture the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (modern day Istanbul).
The landing and the succeeding months-long stalemate ended in early 1916 when the allied army gave up and withdrew.
The campaign was a major Ottoman victory in the war and is regarded as a defining moment in Turkish history.
Çanakkale
Crowds would normally flock to the historical peninsula of Gallipoli to attend the ceremony and remember the legacy of the Gallipoli battle.
Fethiye
Mayor of Fethiye, Ali Karaca, made a statement about the 18 March Martyrs Remembrance Day and the 105th Anniversary of Çanakkale Naval Victory.
In his statement he said, “I respectfully remember our martyrs who lost their lives in Çanakkale Naval Victory, which our nation won with great struggle against the Allied Powers 105 years ago. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 virus, there will be no event other than the official ceremony. I celebrate the 105th anniversary of Çanakkale Naval Victory on March 18th, and remember my cherished martyrs with respect and gratitude. ”
Sources: Wikipedia/Anadolu Agency/Fethiye Belediyesi/Gerçek Fethiye.
Featured image courtesy of Wikipedia
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