On February 19, the sea lay heavy like leaden and the sky burned with shades of fire. In a trench stood the Mehmetçik—their uniforms covered in dirt, their hearts as vast as their homeland.

Before them stood the mightiest navies in the world… Behind them, the prayers of an entire nation.

As the roar of cannons shook the strait, a blue-eyed officer stood tall, lifting his men with his courage. That officer was Lieutenant Colonel Mustafa Kemal.

Corporal Seyit achieved the impossible, carrying a massive artillery shell on his back.

The Nusret minelayer changed the course of history with the mines it laid beneath the waves.

Cevat Paşa, Esat Paşa, Fevzi Paşa, İsmail Hakkı Paşa, and many other commanders each played a vital role in the defence of the homeland.

On that day at Gallipoli Campaign (March 18, 1915), it was not just the enemy that was halted—the resolve and faith of a nation declaring “These lands shall not be passed!” left its mark on history.

On the 111th anniversary of March 18 Martyrs’ Day and the Çanakkale Naval Victory, we remember Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, our fallen heroes, and our veterans who have passed on, with gratitude and respect.

May your noble souls rest in peace, and may you be granted a place in paradise.