Türkiye honored the 110th anniversary of the historic Gallipoli Campaign on Tuesday with nationwide ceremonies, marking one of the most defining moments in the nation's history.

Political leaders, sports figures, and citizens from all walks of life gathered to pay tribute to the heroes who defended the country against Allied forces during World War I.

The official commemorations began in the western city of Çanakkale, the site of the legendary battle. At Republic Square, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler led the main ceremony, raising the Turkish flag adorned with a golden medal inscribed with "Çanakkale Geçilmez" ("Çanakkale is Impregnable"), an honor bestowed by the Turkish Parliament in 1994 in memory of the 250,000 fallen soldiers.

As part of the observance, a 21-gun salute was fired from the TCG Kınalıada corvette anchored in the Dardanelles, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Gallipoli defenders.

On the eve of the anniversary, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a statement reflecting on the significance of the campaign. "As a nation, we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli Victory with great pride and emotion," Erdoğan said. "We remember with gratitude and reverence the heroes who made Çanakkale impregnable."

 He emphasized that the battle demonstrated how determination and faith could triumph over technological superiority, praising the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands who laid down their lives for their homeland. Erdoğan also noted that the unity displayed by Turkish society—men and women, young and old, students and workers—at Gallipoli served as an inspiration for other oppressed nations seeking independence.

As part of the Central Powers during World War I, the Ottoman Empire fought an existential battle on the Gallipoli front against British and French-led Allied forces. The campaign commenced on February 19, 1915, with naval operations in the Çanakkale Strait, followed by intense land battles at Seddülbahir, Arıburnu, and Anafartalar. After 325 days of fierce fighting, the Ottomans secured a decisive victory, forcing the Allied retreat by January 9, 1916.

March 18, 1915, the day of the crucial naval victory, remains a milestone in Türkiye’s history, shaping the nation’s future and ultimately inspiring its War of Independence.

With events held across the country and speeches highlighting Gallipoli’s lasting impact, the anniversary served as a reminder of Türkiye’s enduring resilience and national unity. (ILKHA)