Turkey marks 97th anniversary of Gallipoli Victory

ÇANAKKALE - Anatolia News Agency

A soldier presents arms during the processions in Anıtkabir in Ankara. AA photo

Turkey is marking the 97th anniversary of March 18 Martyrs' Day and Dardanelles Naval Victory today. 

Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç laid a wreath on modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's Monument in the western province of Çanakkale to mark March 18 Martyrs' Day and Dardanelles Naval Victory. 

From April 25, 1915, to January 9, 1916, a joint British and French operation was mounted to capture the Ottoman capital of Istanbul and secure a sea route to Russia. The attempt failed, leading to heavy casualties on both sides.
 
Both March 18th Naval Victory and the Gallipoli land victories restored the Turkish Army's prestige in the world and constituted a milestone in Turkish nation's struggle for independence.

The events, which were considered the Ottoman Empire's biggest achievement during World War I, are known in the West as the "Gallipoli Campaign" or the "Battle of Gallipoli."