Addressing the March 18 Martyrs’ Day ceremony, Erdoğan said: “Çanakkale signifies a milestone when a nation, whose history is full of glorious victories, found its genuine identity, regained its vitality and rose from its ashes just like a phoenix. Having brought the most advanced armies of the era to their knees despite all the shortcomings and poverty, our nation, with its victory in Çanakkale, also equipped itself with the faith, determination and spirit of resistance that were to pave the way for victory in our War of Independence.”

Saluting the martyrs, Erdoğan said: “Çanakkale, indeed, signifies a milestone when a nation, whose history is full of glorious victories, found its genuine identity, regained its vitality and rose from its ashes just like a phoenix.”

“Having brought the most advanced armies of the era to their knees despite all the shortcomings and poverty, our nation, with its victory in Çanakkale, also equipped itself with the faith, determination, and the spirit of resistance that were to pave the way for victory in our War of Independence,” underscored Erdoğan, further stressing that the victory in Çanakkale heralded the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye.

“We will revive our cities as soon as possible”

As regards the ongoing efforts to heal the wounds inflicted by the February 6 earthquakes in Türkiye’s south, Erdoğan stated: “We can overcome the disaster of the century with unity and solidarity just as we did 108 years ago when we accomplished the impossible by standing shoulder to shoulder. The picture of unity and solidarity drawn by our nation since the first moments of the earthquakes gives us hope and confidence in this regard.”

Noting that he is encouraged by citizens’ will and determination to hold on to life in the quake-hit cities he visits, Erdoğan added: “We will not allow this spirit of mobilization to be undermined and will revive our cities as soon as possible by working day and night.” (ILKHA)