In commemoration of Gallipoli War 18 March 1915

Today it is the commemoration day of Gallipoli War, Canakkale Savasi, the World War I battle for control of the Dardanelles that was straight fought on Turkey's Gallipoli (Gelibolu) peninsula, with appaling casualties. Around 100,000 were killed and 400,000 wounded during the nine-month campaign (1915-1916).


The British navy (under the command of Winston Churchill) wanted very much to get its battleships through the Dardanelles and attack Istanbul to knock the Ottoman Empire, an ally of the Central Powers, out of the war. Invading armies and navies have coveted the strategic Dardanalles strait since the days of the Trojans because it controls the sea traffic between the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, and the Aegean/Mediterreanean. At only 1,2 km wide at its narrowest point (Kilitbahir), and over 100 meters deep, it is also the key to Istanbul: warships could conquer the city if they could get through the Dardanelles.


Ottoman forces, some of whom were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Mustafa Kemal (later Ataturk) knew that if the British would get through the Dardanelles, it meant the conquest of Turkey. This war was reclaimed in high spirits by the Turks and showed great courage in defending the Dardanelles and every year at this day it is been commemorated.
The result of the Dardanelles failure has put an end to the British Empire's apogee. From then on Britain's influence in her dominions had gradually declined and in in 20-30 years time, the British Empire has came to and. The British has sailed for the world sovereignty but the Dardanelles campaign has misled their route.

Today, the Gallipoli battlefields are silent, preserved as a national park strewn with marble and bronze monuments, among the most emotionally touching places to visit in Turkey.


Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives..you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets where they lie side by side here in this country of ours...You the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. Having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well

--Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 1934