What made 1915 Canakkale Victory a turning point for Türkiye in WWI?
Turkish battery, Gallipoli, Canakkale, Türkiye. (Photo via the United States Library of Congress)
On March 18, Türkiye marks the 110th anniversary of the Canakkale Naval Victory and Martyrs’ Day, a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. This historic Canakkale victory, achieved in 1915, marked the end of months of fierce conflict during the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I.
The battle not only demonstrated the resilience of Turkish forces but also had lasting effects on the future of the nation.
A turning point in World War I
The Gallipoli Campaign, which began in earnest in January 1915, saw Allied forces, including Britain and France, attempting to seize the Gallipoli Peninsula and capture Istanbul, the heart of the Ottoman Empire. If successful, the Allies would have gained a strategic advantage in the war, possibly even enabling them to defeat the Ottoman Empire.
However, despite expectations of an easy victory, the Allies were met with fierce resistance from Ottoman forces. After a failed naval assault on March 18, 1915, Allied forces were forced to rethink their strategy and launch a full-scale land invasion.
Defensive triumph amid heavy losses
Ottoman forces, under the command of General Liman von Sanders, defended the Gallipoli Peninsula with strategic brilliance. The Allies’ initial naval assault, which included British warships such as HMS Irresistible and HMS Ocean, was thwarted by mines planted by the Ottoman vessel Nusret.
As British and French forces attempted to land on Turkish shores, they encountered fierce opposition from Ottoman soldiers. At key locations like Ariburnu, Seddulbahir, and Kumkale, the Allies faced unexpected and devastating resistance, particularly from the Anzac troops (Australian and New Zealand forces).
By the end of May, Britain’s First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill resigned in the face of repeated failures, marking a significant shift in the conflict’s momentum.
Final withdrawal of Allied forces
Despite several failed offensives, the Allied forces continued to press on, attempting to secure key positions on the peninsula throughout the summer. However, by December 1915, the Allies were forced to withdraw after months of heavy losses. The Gallipoli Peninsula was fully liberated by the Ottoman Empire, signaling the Allies’ defeat.
The Canakkale Victory not only marked a military success but also gave the Turkish people a renewed sense of purpose and national pride. The victory was a precursor to the War of Independence, which ultimately led to the formation of the modern Republic of Türkiye in 1923.
Honoring fallen and veterans
Every year, on March 18, Turks gather to honor the memory of the 57,000 soldiers who lost their lives defending their homeland during the Gallipoli Campaign.
The anniversary serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifices made by those who fought for Türkiye’s independence.
The echoes of the Canakkale Victory still resonate in Türkiye today, not only as a historical milestone but as a symbol of resilience and unity. The lessons learned during Gallipoli continue to inspire the Turkish people in their ongoing journey toward progress and prosperity.
