Poetry contest on Gallipoli Wars and Victories – Award ceremony held in Western Thrace

The award ceremony for the poetry contest themed “Gallipoli Wars and Victories,” organized by the Western Thrace Turkish Teachers’ Union (BTTÖB), was held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the BTTÖB Hall.

The event was attended by Türkiye’s Consul General in Komotini, Aykut Ünal, and his wife Ilayda Ünal, along with Mufti of Komotini İbrahim Şerif, Chair of the Friendship, Equality, Peace Party (DEB) Çiğdem Asafoğlu, BTTÖB President Aydın Ahmet, President of the Komotini Turkish Youth Union (GTGB) Sedat Hasan, Chairman of the Western Thrace Culture and Education Company (BAKEŞ) Hüseyin Bostancı, General Director Pervin Hayrullah, President of the Association of Western Thrace Mosque Religious Officials Erol Yoluç, Kozlukebir Mayor Erdem Hüseyin, as well as the awarded students and their families.

The ceremony began with the screening of a documentary about the Gallipoli Wars and Victories, followed by opening speeches.

BTTÖB President Aydın Ahmet delivered the first speech, emphasizing the military, political, economic, social, and cultural significance of the Gallipoli Campaign in both Turkish and world history. He underscored the importance of educating younger generations about this victory and highlighted the unity, courage, and sacrifice of the Turkish soldiers who fought in Gallipoli.

“The Gallipoli Campaign was not just a battle, but a legitimate defense on our homeland’s soil, where the Turkish military, despite all odds, wrote a legendary story of bravery,” Ahmet said. “It laid the spiritual foundation for the later Turkish War of Independence. If Gallipoli had not been won, that journey could never have begun.”

Ahmet concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude to teachers and students who participated in the competition, describing the effort as a matter of historical responsibility.

Türkiye’s Consul General in Komotini, Aykut Ünal, also addressed the audience, sharing personal reflections and historical insights, including symbolic naval traditions such as ship salutes at the Gallipoli Martyrs' Memorial.

“Gallipoli taught us not just how to defend, but how to rise again. It gave us a hero—Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—and reminded us to never lose hope, even in the darkest moments,” Ünal said. He added, “I personally was never good at poetry, but what you young people have done here today is extraordinary. I applaud your courage and creativity.”

Following the speeches, students who ranked in the top three in primary, middle, and high school categories were invited to the stage to recite their poems and were presented with awards. All participating students also received recognition and gifts.

The program concluded with a short musical performance and refreshments for attendees.

Winners of the Gallipoli Wars and Victories Poetry Contest:

Primary School Category
1st – Nisa Ahmet (Kozlukebir village)

2nd – Ata Rasim (Kırköy)

3rd – Semih Arif (Bekirköy)

Middle School Category
1st – Erva Coşkun (Xanthi Minority High School)

2nd – İsra Kurt Hüseyin ( Celal Bayar Azınlık Ortaokulu)

3rd – Safiye Bandak (İskeçe Azınlık Ortaokulu)

High School Category

1st – İrem İsmail (Celal Bayar Minority High School)

2nd – Büşra Ahmet (Celal Bayar Minority High School)

3rd – Ozan Hacı Hüseyin (İskeçe Minority High School),,