The commemoration ceremony titled “A Nation’s Sacrifice, A Flag’s Freedom: Çanakkale” organized within the scope of the March 18 Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs' Remembrance Day, was held at 11:00 AM at the Marmara University Göztepe Campus Dr. İbrahim Üzümcü Conference Hall. The ceremony was attended by Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur, vice rectors Prof. Dr. Ümit Süleyman Şehirli and Prof. Dr. Ayşin Satan, Secretary General Hasan Şahin, deans, and academic and administrative staff.
Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur, delivering the opening speech at the commemoration ceremony, emphasized that the Çanakkale spirit is one of the strongest symbols of the nation’s love for independence and homeland, drawing attention to the importance of passing this historic victory on to future generations.
Underlining that the date of March 18 coincides with a very important day this year, Rector Okur spoke as follows: “They call the day before the feast arife (eve). For Ramadan Feast, the eve is tomorrow. They call the day before that şerefe. Today is actually a day of şerefe. March 18 is truly a day of şerefe for us.”
Prof. Dr. Okur noted that, while religious and national holidays are often distinguished from one another, he does not find such distinctions necessary, as all holidays are significant. He added that the spirit of Çanakkale has been kept alive from the past to the present with the same consciousness and extended his greetings for the upcoming Ramadan Feast.
“ÇANAKKALE IS A STRUGGLE THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF THE WORLD”
Prof. Dr. Bülent Bakar, a faculty member of the History Department at Marmara University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, stated that the Çanakkale Wars were not only a military achievement but also a historical turning point demonstrating the nation’s will for independence. Prof. Dr. Bakar emphasized that the war should be evaluated in both its naval and land phases, noting that this struggle produced consequences that influenced the course of world history.
Highlighting the great success, effort, and determination of the Turkish artillery, Bülent Bakar stated that the Allied fleet, which began its operation at 11:00 a.m. on the morning of March 18, was forced to end it by 11:30 a.m. He emphasized that the Allied Powers suffered severe damage in the naval battle, with many of their ships sunk and the remaining ones heavily damaged, rendering them incapable of engaging in combat for many years.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Bülent Bakar stated that the Allied Powers' goal of reaching Istanbul via Çanakkale resulted in failure and expressed that following the victory achieved especially in the naval operation, a great resistance was also displayed in the land wars. Pointing out that the leadership shown by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the front was one of the most important elements that changed the fate of the war, Bülent Bakar said, “The perseverance and sacrifice of the Turkish army achieved a significant defensive success. Çanakkale is also a front where the foundations of the spirit of the National Struggle were laid.”
Underlining that the war had long-term military and political consequences, Prof. Dr. Bakar concluded by saying: “Despite great losses, this victory represents a consciousness and responsibility that must be passed on to future generations,” and commemorated the martyrs with respect and gratitude.
Following the program, a concert was given by the Marmara University Turkish Music Ensemble and the Atatürk Faculty of Education Folk Music Choir under the direction of Prof. Dr. Mustafa Uslu. During the concert, pieces such as “Çanakkale Türküsü,” “Çökertme,” “Yemen Türküsü,” “Eledim Eledim,” and “Yeni Cami Avlusunda” were performed, and attendees experienced emotional moments. The commemoration ceremony ended with a group photo session.
