95th Anniversary of the Anafartalar Victory

Below is H.E. President Abdullah Gül’s message on the occasion of the 95th Anniversary of the Anafartalar Victory:

“The Çanakkale War was one of the turning points in both Turkish and world history.

The honorable struggle, displayed with great bravery and innumerable sacrifices at Çanakkale, altered not only our nation’s fate but also the course of history.

The unforgettable victories at sea and the subsequent land battles have a special place in the history of our nation, indeed. These victories are the legacy of a generation which sacrificed their lives to defend our land for today and future generations.

At a critical stage of the land battles, ,the Anafartalar Victory, won under the command of Mustafa Kemal, then Commander of the Anafartalar Forces of the Turkish Army, once again demonstrated to the whole world that the Turkish nation would protect its land under any circumstances and that it would never relinquish its independence.

One of the most significant outcomes of the Çanakkale War for our nation is that it brought Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our republic, to the stage of history as a great commander and a leader. Atatürk, with his military genius and dexterity, played a determining role in our nation’s victory.

The victories in our history, on the one hand, bring to mind what we have endured and on the other hand prove to everyone that the Turkish nation will realize its goals no matter how arduous the struggle may be.

Today, with this awareness, great sacrifices are being displayed in order to reach a more prosperous and democratic Turkey where everyone can lead their lives in peace. The same unity and solidarity demonstrated in the past are seen in the aim to supersede the level of the modern states as well. I wholeheartedly believe that this very resoluteness and self-confidence will carry our country into a stronger and brighter future.

On the 95th Anniversary of the Anafartalar Victory, I remember the great commander, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and all our soldiers making history at Çanakkale with gratitude and respect.”