Organised by Eastern Mediterranean University Atatürk Research and Application Center, a conference entitled “100th Anniversary of Çanakkale Victory” and “18 March Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Commemoration Ceremony” took place at EMU Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall on 18 March 2015.
The event which commenced with a moment of silence and the national anthem hosted EMU Ataturk Research and Application Center chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Cicioğlu’s presentation entitled “The Meaning and Importance of Çanakkale Victory in Turkish History”, EMU Law Faculty’s Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Turgut Turhan’s “Çanakkale War and Attempts to Move İstanbul”, EMU academic staff member Dr. Turgay Bülent Göktürk’s “Çanakkale Wars from the Perspective of Turkish and World History” and EMU Atatürk Ideology Club member Çağatay Kır’s presentation entitled “Turkish Youth in Çanakkale”.
Presenting information on pre and post events during Çanakkale war period, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Cicioğlu put forth that the foundation of the Republic of Turkey was laid in Çanakkale. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cicioğlu added that through Çanakkale War, the Turkish nation brought up a great leader, Mustafa Kemal. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cicioğlu also put forth that Çanakkale Victory carried great importance regarding the Turkish and world history. In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Turgut Turhan provided information on the Commander of the English Forces, Hamilton’s plan which included occupying Istanbul after Çanakkale. Dr. Turgay Bülent Göktürk added that Çanakkale War resulted in reshaping of world political geography. The next speaker Çağatay Kır stated that a considerable number of Turkish youth died in this war and their contributions were all voluntary. Kır concluded his speech by advising all Turkish youth to visit Çanakkale.
Following the panel, a documentary entitled “Çanakkale is Impassable” was screened. During the event, some materials and equipment used during Çanakkale War were displayed.
To mark the day, EMU Student Council offered wheat soup to students at EMU Atatürk Square between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on 18 March 2015. Famagusta Mayor Şifa Çolakoğlu, Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Hıfsiye Pulhan, EMU Ataturk Research and Application Center Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Cicioğlu, academic staff members and a crowded group of students attended the event during which tributes were paid to the martyrs.
