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 106th 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.
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).
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.106 years ago hundreds of thousands of troops were killed and wounded as they fought for a tiny patch of land.
The landing and the succeeding months-long stalemate ended in early 1916 when the allied army gave up and withdrew.
The victory proved a massive morale boost for the Ottoman Turks and cemented the reputation of Mustafa Kemal Paşa. Years later he would lead the Turks to an even bigger victory in their War of Independence and establish the Turkish Republic.
Çanakkale
Crowds would normally flock to the historical peninsula of Gallipoli to attend the ceremony and remember the legacy of the Gallipoli battle.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial commemorating hundreds of thousands of soldiers killed during the World War I Battle of Gallipoli. (AA Photo)
A ceremony was held in Fethiye to mark the occasion. The ceremony was attended by the Fethiye District Governorship, Fethiye Municipality and Fethiye Combatant Veterans and Martyr Families Aid and Solidarity Association. Wreaths were laid at the Martyrs’ Monument followed by a one minute’s silence and Turkish National Anthem.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Martyr’s Monument in Fethiye
Garrison Commander Military Branch Head Major Sedat Karabay made a speech, indicating the meaning and importance of the day. Following the reading of poems, District Governor Eyüp Fırat signed the honour book.
After the ceremony, members of the protocol visited Fethiye War Veterans and Martyr Families Cooperation and Solidarity Association.
