Gallipoli spirit lives on in Gümülcine through young writers

An award ceremony for the “Gallipoli Wars and Victories” themed short story competition, organized by the Western Thrace Turkish Teachers Union, was held on Tuesday at the union’s premises in Gümülcine. The event marked the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign and drew significant attendance.

Among the attendees were Aykut Ünal and his wife İlayda Ünal, Çiğdem Asafoğlu, and Aydın Ahmet, alongside students, families, and representatives of local institutions.

The ceremony, hosted by Batuhan Hasan, opened with a short introductory film before speeches highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Gallipoli.

In his remarks, Aydın Ahmet reported that the Gallipoli Wars were not only a military victory but also a defining moment in the Turkish nation’s struggle for existence. He noted that the phrase “Çanakkale is impassable” became a lasting symbol of resilience forged under extreme hardship, playing a crucial role in shaping the spirit of the later national struggle.

Addressing the students, Ahmet emphasized the importance of historical awareness in building confidence and identity among younger generations.

Consul General Aykut Ünal also underlined that the Gallipoli victory was achieved through unity, determination, and faith despite severe limitations. He described this legacy as a guiding force for today’s youth, stressing that understanding history is essential to shaping the future.

Following the speeches, awards were presented to the top-performing students in the competition. The event concluded with a brief musical performance, rounding off a program that blended remembrance with youth engagement.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts within the Turkish community in Western Thrace to preserve historical memory through education and cultural activities.