President Ersin Tatar has paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in Çanakkale which ended with the victory of the Turkish nation 106 years ago on March 18, 1915.

The President took part in the Çanakkale (Gallipoli) Victory and Martyrs Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Boğaz Martyrdom, where he laid a wreath and signed the commemoration book.

He also handed Republic of Turkey Ambassador, Ali Murat Başçeri, soil taken from the martyrdom  wrapped in Turkish and TRNC flags, to be sent to Anıtkabir – the burial place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.



“TURKISH CYPRIOT FREEDOM FIGHTERS (MÜCAHİT) AND TURKISH TROOPS (MEHMETÇİK) ARE RESTING TOGETHER IN PEACE”

President Tatar wrote in the commemoration book at the ceremony:

“We are commemorating the 106th anniversary of the March 18, 1915  Çanakkale Victory, following the great heroic and legendary resistance displayed by the Turkish army against the most powerful armies of the world.   While this great victory has been a source of inspiration for the nations of the world and the oppressed peoples who struggle for freedom and independence, it has shown that the Turkish nation cannot be made captives and the Turkish homeland cannot be divided into pieces.

The saying ‘Çanakkale cannot be passed’ is not only a saying, it is an expression to explain the strong Turkish resistance, the Turkish nation’s love for homeland, freedom and independence.  This victory and this discourse is the greatest source of power and inspiration in the on-going struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people.

The Mehmetçik and Mücahits are resting in peace side-by-side together, having fallen whilst protecting the freedom, independence and homeland. This is the symbol of our unshakable bond with Motherland Turkey, and the martyrs who are resting here, are our and the Turkish nation’s children.  Their resting place is not just here, they are also in the hearts of the Turkish Cypriot people and they will remain in our hearts forever.

I kneel before our martyrs and may God bless their souls.”