Àshraf AboArafe
In a solemn tribute woven with memory and reverence, the Turkish Embassy in Cairo commemorated the 111th anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory alongside Martyrs’ Memorial Day on March 18, at the Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery in the Egyptian capital.
The ceremony commenced with a moment of silence in honor of the fallen, followed by the Turkish national anthem—an opening that carried both the weight of history and the dignity of remembrance. The program continued with a speech by the Embassy’s Military Attaché, Colonel Tahir Engin Bilgin, who reflected on the enduring significance of Çanakkale as a symbol of sacrifice, faith, and homeland.
A poignant highlight of the ceremony was the recitation of the iconic poem “To the Martyrs of Çanakkale” by the revered poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy. The verses resonated like a sacred hymn, immortalizing the valor of Ottoman soldiers and their place within the broader tapestry of Islamic history. The poem portrays the martyr not as one buried, but as one elevated—beyond time and earth—honored in eternal embrace.
In his address, Turkish Ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Şen, emphasized that the Çanakkale Victory was not merely a military triumph, but a profound expression of a nation’s faith, unity, and patriotic spirit. He described the battle as a pivotal turning point that reshaped global history, forged through the determination and sacrifice of the Turkish people.
Ambassador Şen also underscored that the legacy of Çanakkale extended far beyond Anatolia, highlighting the historical support of the wider Islamic world—particularly the Egyptian people—who stood alongside the Turks during that critical moment. He further noted that the battle marked a defining chapter in the emergence of leadership qualities in the founder of modern Turkey, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose legacy continues to resonate in contemporary Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador paid tribute with deep respect and gratitude to all martyrs and veterans—especially Mustafa Kemal Pasha, the hero of Anafartalar, as well as the martyrs of the Palestine-Sinai front buried in Cairo, and all those who sacrificed their lives for their homeland.
The commemoration was attended by members of the Turkish diplomatic mission, representatives of Turkish institutions and organizations, business leaders, and students. The ceremony concluded with a moving recitation from the Holy Qur’an by renowned Egyptian reciter Dr. Ahmed Naina, followed by prayers for the souls of the martyrs.
In Cairo, far from the shores of Çanakkale, the echoes of sacrifice still speak—softly, yet eternally.
