Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) marked the 110th anniversary of the Çanakkale Naval Victory and Martyrs' Remembrance Day on March 18 with a special conference titled “The Çanakkale Victory in Turkish and World History” and a commemorative concert.
Held at the OMU Atatürk Congress and Culture Center (AKM), the event was attended by OMU Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Samsun University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Salih Kesgin, Director of OMU’s Atatürk Principles and History Research and Application Center Prof. Dr. Kaya Tuncer Çağlayan, along with academics, students, and members of the public.
During the conference organized by the Atatürk Principles and History Research and Application Center, speakers emphasized the heroic resistance of the Turkish nation during the Çanakkale Battles and the war’s significance in global history.
In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Kaya Tuncer Çağlayan drew attention to the historical East-West struggle, highlighting how Western powers had long viewed the Turks as their main rivals. He stated:
“The West launched its last Crusade against the Turks during World War I, engaging in its fiercest battle at Çanakkale. However, with 250,000 martyrs and veterans, our valiant ancestors made Çanakkale impassable.”
Following the opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Önder Duman from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, History Department, delivered a lecture on “The Çanakkale Victory in Turkish and World History.” He outlined the key phases and outcomes of the Çanakkale Battles, describing them as a critical confrontation that directly targeted the Ottoman Empire.
“The Allied Powers attempted to seize Çanakkale first by sea and then by land, but thanks to the Turkish defense's resilience, their efforts failed. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk demonstrated remarkable military genius here, earning the title of ‘Hero of Anafartalar.’”
The second part of the commemoration featured a musical tribute performed by the OMU Health, Culture, and Sports Department’s Turkish Folk Music Ensemble and the OMU Continuing Education Center Turkish Folk Music Choir.
Under the direction of Lecturer Oğuz Yılmaz and his team, the ensemble performed traditional folk songs associated with the Çanakkale Victory, including: Mızıka Çalındı, Eledim Eledim, Çanakkale İçinde, Hey Onbeşli Onbeşli.
As part of the 110th-anniversary commemorations, the program paid tribute to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, and all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the participants.
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