Commemoration ceremony held at Turkish Martyrs’ cemetery in Piraeus for Gallipoli Victory anniversary
A solemn ceremony was held at the Turkish Martyrs' Cemetery of Piraeus to mark March 18 Martyrs’ Remembrance Day and the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli Naval Victory, one of the most significant milestones in Turkish history.
The event was attended by Çağatay Erciyes, Ambassador of Türkiye to Greece, Işıl Işık Civelik, military attachés, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence followed by the Turkish national anthem.
“A Nation That Refused to Kneel”
In his keynote speech, Ambassador Erciyes emphasized the enduring significance of the Gallipoli Campaign, describing it as a defining moment of resilience and national determination.
“Today, we not only commemorate our martyrs but also mark the 111th anniversary of a day when a nation declared to the world that it would not kneel,” Erciyes said. “Gallipoli stands for existence against all odds, resistance in the face of despair, and dignity in the face of death.”
He highlighted that the victory, achieved under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was not merely a military success but a triumph of human dignity, independence, and unwavering faith.
Tribute to Fallen Diplomats
Erciyes also underlined the long-standing sacrifices of the Turkish diplomatic service, noting that since 1973, 41 Turkish diplomats and staff have been killed in terrorist attacks worldwide.
He paid tribute to victims of attacks in Athens, including Ömer Haluk Sipahioğlu, Çetin Görgü, and Galip Özmen, as well as Özmen’s daughter Neslihan, honoring their memory with respect and gratitude.
Call for Peace and Justice
Reflecting on contemporary global conflicts, Erciyes stated that ongoing crises—particularly in the Middle East—pose serious moral and legal challenges to the international system.
He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to standing for justice, human rights, and international law, adding that Turkish diplomacy would continue working toward a future defined by peace, stability, and human dignity.
Following the speech, the ambassador signed the memorial book.
Historical Legacy of the Cemetery
The ceremony concluded with participants laying red and white carnations on the graves of the fallen.
The Piraeus Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery dates back to 1859, when it was established as a Muslim cemetery. It was officially transferred to the Ottoman Empire in 1890 by the Municipality of Piraeus. Over time, it became a martyrs’ cemetery as prisoners of war brought to Athens during the Balkan Wars, World War I, and the Turkish War of Independence were buried there.
