Emotional moments were experienced in Bornova as part of the March 18 Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Commemoration Day. Throughout the day, events were held to honor the martyrs and keep the spirit of Çanakkale alive. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated, “The Battle of Gallipoli is the main reason for a society becoming a nation, for laying the foundations of the War of Independence, and for the existence of the Republic.”

Emotional ceremony at the martyrs’ cemetery

The commemoration program began with a ceremony held at the Işıkkent Police Martyrs’ Cemetery. Bornova District Governor Muzaffer Şahiner, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, 57th Artillery Brigade Commander Brigadier General Tarık Demirci, along with representatives of martyrs’ and veterans’ associations and political parties, attended the ceremony.

Following the laying of a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial, a moment of silence was observed and the National Anthem was recited. After the ceremonial salute and prayers, red carnations were placed on the graves of the martyrs.

The spirit of Çanakkale expressed through art

After the ceremony at the cemetery, a live statue performance staged at the exit of Bornova Metro Station attracted great attention from citizens. The performance, which reenacted scenes from the Battle of Gallipoli, created deeply emotional moments for the audience.

“Melodies of a Victory” concert

The final event of the day was the “Melodies of a Victory” concert held at the Bornova Municipality Nevzat Kavalar Cultural Center. The Bornova Municipality Turkish Folk Music Choir, conducted by Salih Sütoğlu, took the stage. The concert, which drew significant interest from residents, featured songs such as “Hey Onbeşli” and “Çanakkale Yanıyor.” With its powerful performance, the choir once again brought the spirit of Çanakkale to life.

Mayor Eşki: “The Battle of Gallipoli is the war that made a society a nation”

Emphasizing the importance of March 18 Çanakkale Victory, Mayor Eşki said:

“Today marks the 111th anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory—an extremely important day for both Turkish and world history. Exactly 111 years ago, the largest fleet in history launched an हमला on one of the most sacred parts of our homeland. On the day when the world’s greatest navies pressed against our nation’s heart, they faced an unexpected defeat, and we achieved one of the greatest naval victories in history. The French battleship Bouvet and the British battleships Irresistible and Ocean were sunk in the waters of the Dardanelles. Even if we may not fully grasp it, this is a date the British will never forget. Because it was the only war in their history in which two of their major battleships were sunk. That war gave us Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, followed by the War of Independence, and ultimately the Republic. The Gallipoli Campaigns are the main reason a society became a nation, laying the foundation for the War of Independence and the establishment of the Republic. It is extremely significant and valuable in every respect for our history.”