Turkey’s victory against allies in Canakkale and meaning of 18th March, Martyrs day
The struggle of Turkish army on the Dardanelles Front was to the extent that it would affect not only the course of Turkish history but also the entire world history. The victory on this front changed the balance of power of the countries of the world, destroyed the enthusiasm for sharing Turkish territory and once again demonstrated the decisive and guiding power of the Turkish nation.
The perseverance, hope and determination provided by the Dardanelles front to the people of Anatolia also ignited the torch of the war of Independence. CANAKKALE is a “monumental front” that will forever remind how determined and heroic the Turkish nation is when it comes to independence and freedom. The reason is the Turkish army has expertly used its superior combat tactics against a very superior force in terms of “quantity and quality of arms”. Nevertheless, the history of World War I has witnessed that the Turkish soldiers in CANAKKALE did not lose their humanity even on the battle fields where they were able to show mercy even to their enemies.
When Turkish soldiers who started a separate saga in each trench, concluded their holy struggle against the enemy with victory, they also had the following slogan carved into the history; “CANAKKALE is impassable”.
March 18 is a blessed day when Turks once again remember the great people who reached the martyrdom status by protecting their holy land at the cost of their lives and express their gratitude. For this reason, 18 March has been accepted as Martyrs’ Day by Law No. 4768 on 27.06.2002.
On this day, programs with themes about Çanakkale and publications are shared with Turkish nation via the press and publications. In schools, the meaning and importance of the day is emphasized with various activities. Generations who have grown up try to feel the unforgettable impact of the struggle on the Dardanelles front on the future and character of the Turkish nation.
In Dardanelles the Turkish army, under the command of GREAT LEADER Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK started a struggle every second of which deserved to be referred to legendary. The desire and motivation in the hearts of all martyrs and veterans was the unbeatable power that enabled the Turkish army to win the fight against an invincible enemy. In fact Mustafa Kemal’s (Atatürk) order to his soldiers that went; “I do not order you to attack, I order you to die. During the time that will pass until we die, other forces will replace us and other commanders can take over” has been a legendary statement learned by heart and voiced by millions of Turks since then. (March 14, 2021)
