Director of Communications Altun: "Çanakkale Victory is a concrete manifestation of our nation's will for independence and reveals how strongly this will has resonated throughout history."
Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun spoke at the opening of the "Goodbye" Çanakkale Victory Exhibition, which has been organised by the Directorate of Communications at Sirkeci Train Station on the occasion of the 109th anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory and the Martyrs' Day on March 18.
Recognising the significance of this victory as one of the indispensable elements of social, political and cultural memory, Altun said, "Çanakkale Victory affected not only the history of our country, not only this geography, but the history of the world." If we had not been victorious in Çanakkale, the imperialist powers of that age would have expedited the conclusion of the First World War in their own favour and accelerated the imperialist divide. Çanakkale Victory and the heroes of this victory prevented it."
Director of Communications Altun wished mercy to all the heroes, martyrs, and veterans who fought in Çanakkale, particularly Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and stated that they live in this country today thanks to their valour.
Pointing out that the Çanakkale Victory was the pioneer of the spirit of the National Struggle on the one hand and the founding spirit of the Republic on the other, Altun continued:
"Without understanding the Çanakkale Victory, we cannot understand either the National Struggle or the founding will of our Republic, and in essence, we cannot understand the struggle for sovereignty and independence that we have been waging ever since. Within this context, our aim was to contribute to a deeper understanding of this significant historical event, the Çanakkale Victory, which holds a pivotal place in our nation's history. Let us show future generations what transpired during that time period and what the true human stories were. When you visit this exhibition, you will realise that a very severe struggle was fought, tremendous courage was demonstrated and a very tough victory was achieved as a result of great heroism."
"1200 different pieces are exhibited here"
Stating that the historical significance of the Çanakkale Victory can be observed in this exhibition as well as the details about the war and its human aspect, Altun said, "In our exhibition, you will come across a comprehensive collection of possessions from the Battle of Çanakkale. On the one hand, you will see medical supplies; on the other hand, you will see weapons, bombs, and various ammunition. 1200 different pieces are exhibited here. Similarly, this exhibition also showcases diaries and letters that have never been publicly displayed."
Director of Communications Altun said, "Çanakkale Victory is a concrete manifestation of our nation's will for independence and reveals how strongly this will has resonated throughout history," and added that it is an obligation for them to understand this significant event.
Highlighting the significance of history as more than just a series of distant events, Altun said, "This geography witnessed significant historical events that shape the present day. From this perspective, we have to refresh the memory there in order to preserve this historical legacy and ensure its strong existence into the future, and we are making efforts to do so."
The writer Samipaşazade Sezai wrote: "The Çanakkale Victory saved the day on the one hand. On the other hand, it restored the greatness and valour of the past. It also made this homeland our eternal homeland," Altun said and added, "In this respect, Samipaşazade Sezai emphasises the Battle of Çanakkale very strongly and describes it as a battle of three miracles."
"This is the struggle for the Century of Türkiye and it represents the enduring spirit of the Çanakkale Victory"
Underscoring that they want Çanakkale Victory to be well understood not only in Türkiye but also all over the world through their prior works and the exhibition opened today, Altun said:
"When we consider the Çanakkale Victory and visit this exhibition today, it becomes evident that this region requires a formidable presence. Under the leadership of our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye's ongoing struggle is an effort to establish a formidable presence in the country. Our sovereignty and independence rely heavily on maintaining a formidable presence in this region. This is the struggle for a fully independent and powerful Türkiye, the struggle for the 'Century of Türkiye' and it represents the enduring spirit of the Çanakkale Victory."
Pointing out that they will continue their struggle for a fully independent and powerful Türkiye in a strong manner, Altun said, "In this respect, all the investments we make here, especially in the defence industry, are essentially a means of our formidable presence here. When we visit this exhibition, it becomes evident that a nation with a robust defence industry can establish a firm position in terms of sovereignty. We will remain present in this geography as the founding actors of this region."
The exhibition will remain open until April 18
Focusing on the human stories of the Çanakkale Victory, the waiting behind the front lines, and the extraordinary difficulties experienced in the trenches, the exhibition "Goodbye" showcases a collection of artefacts that bear witness to the war, including war equipment, mines, large artillery shells, and various ammunition, materials related to daily life, personal belongings of soldiers, food containers, uniforms, shoes, food packages from the war period, medals, orders and awards bestowed upon the soldiers who fought in the war.
In addition, an identical version of Seyit Corporal's 220-kilogramme cannon from the same period is exhibited, with the slogan "Are you ready to carry the legacy of a nation?" aiming to offer visitors the experience of lifting it.
Many items are on display in the exhibition, including official documents, maps, plans, the Nusret Minelayer ship's telescope, trench periscopes, correspondence between soldiers at the front and their families, soldiers' diaries, medical supplies, first aid kits used on the front, and surgical instruments used to treat wounded soldiers.
The contents of Lieutenant İbrahim Naci's original handwritten diary, including numerous anecdotes, shed light on the recollections of the war heroes.
Reflecting the difficulties of war in every sense, the exhibition aims to take visitors on a historical journey with personal narratives and experiences. It will remain open until April 18 at Sirkeci Train Station.
