State and government officials are issuing messages to commemorate March 18 Martyrs Remembrance Day and the 108th anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory.
President Ersin Tatar who issued a message highlighting the significance of the day said that thousands of young and brave men had sacrificed their lives in the name of honour and freedom for the Turkish nation.
President Ersin Tatar on Friday commemorated the 108th anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory against the imperialist forces who have formed an alliance to carve out the last remaining territories of the Ottoman Empire.
“The Victory at Çanakkale which changed the fate of the Turkish nation ignited the first spark for the Turkish War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and laid the foundations of what was to become modern day Türkiye,” he said.
Tatar pointed out that the great victory which changed world history not only became a hope and light for other nations under oppression or occupation but also a source of inspiration for the Turkish Cypriot people in their struggle for freedom and independence.
“Our debt to our martyrs can be paid by preserving our state, our freedom and sovereignty. We will protect these values entrusted to us by our martyrs under all conditions. The whole world should know this,” he said.
Meanwhile, ceremonies will be held across the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to mark the March 18 Martyr’s Remembrance Day and the 108th anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory.
Separate ceremonies will be held in Lefkoşa, Girne, Boğaz, Gazimağusa, Güzelyurt, İskele and Lefke.