Nations unite at Gallipoli to mark 110th Anniversary of Land Battles

The 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli Land Battles was commemorated with a solemn ceremony held at the Martyrs’ Memorial on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Canakkale, Türkiye.

The event drew participation not only from Türkiye but also from numerous nations, symbolizing the enduring significance of peace and remembrance.

A tribute of honor and unity

The commemoration began with Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gokhan Yazgi, laying a star-and-crescent wreath at the Ataturk Monument. A moment of silence was observed, followed by a ceremonial gun salute and the raising of the Turkish flag, accompanied by the national anthem.

In his speech, Deputy Minister Yazgi emphasized the enduring symbolism of Gallipoli, stating, “This land is not merely the site of a military victory—it is where a nation’s will to live freely and its love for the homeland became monumental.”

He noted that Turkish soldiers at Gallipoli not only fought the enemy but also resisted imperialism, exploitation, and domination. “In a war where numbers and weaponry failed to deliver victory, it was the unwavering spirit and love of homeland that triumphed.”

‘Gallipoli was a legend written with faith’

Quoting Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s immortal words, “I am not ordering you to attack; I am ordering you to die,” Yazgi said these words immortalized Gallipoli as a chapter of unmatched valor in history.

He stressed that it was not just about weapons, but faith and collective resolve that carried the Turkish soldiers through. “Gallipoli is proof that a nation whose independence depends on others has no future,” he added.

Yazgi also touched upon ongoing global suffering, particularly referencing Palestine, and emphasized that Türkiye will continue to stand with the oppressed, just as it did in the past. “History remembers us not only as victors of wars but as a nation of justice, compassion, and humanity.”

He concluded with a call for global peace and solidarity from the very soil where former enemies now unite as friends.

A historic reflection on sacrifice

Canakkale Wars Gallipoli Historical Site President Ismail Kasdemir reflected on the heroism of Turkish soldiers who, despite being outnumbered, made the peninsula impassable. “Our nation, once believed to be fading away, was reborn here from its ashes,” he said, emphasizing the significance of Gallipoli in the birth of modern Türkiye.

Kasdemir praised the soldiers who left their humble lives to defend the homeland and returned to those same lives with quiet dignity after victory.

Princess Anne’s message of peace

Speaking on behalf of the Allied Powers, Princess Anne of the United Kingdom expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s warm hospitality and emphasized the importance of remembering all who suffered and died during the Gallipoli Campaign.

She stated, “With the lessons of the past, it is our duty to pass the torch of remembrance to future generations. We must honor those who fought together and strive for a better world where war is less needed.”

As president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Princess Anne also commended the joint efforts between Türkiye and the commission to preserve these historical sites.

She concluded by honoring Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s legacy and his message of peace to the mothers of fallen Anzac soldiers, underscoring his role as a military hero and statesman shaped by Gallipoli.

Solemn and dignified ceremony

The ceremony included the laying of carnations at symbolic martyr graves, the signing of the memorial book, Quran recitation, and prayers for the fallen.

Turkish and foreign soldiers, veterans, and scouts participated in a ceremonial march, and the day ended with an air show by the Turkish Air Force’s SOLOTURK team over the Dardanelles.

Dignitaries present included Canakkale Governor Omer Toraman, senior military officials, and high-level representatives from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada, Senegal, Hungary, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Austria, and South Africa.