‘Martyrs Day’ of Turkey commemorated

Islamabad
18th March is ‘Martyrs’ Day’ in Turkey to commemorate all Turkish martyrs. To mark the occasion, the ambassador of Turkey, Babur Girgin, hosted an event at the embassy which was attended by senior members of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, both serving and retired and some leading members of civil society. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Rashad Mahmood was the chief guest.
Speaking against a backdrop of the national flags of both countries, General Reshad said: “I am extremely privileged to be part of today’s ceremony commemorating the heroic sacrifices of Turkish soldiers 100 years ago to defend their motherland. Half a million soldiers with blood and toil wrote an unforgettable and glorious example of valour and sacrifice. Our Turkish heroes fought against a much stronger opponent but what led them to victory was their insurmountable courage and resilience. Today Pakistan joins our Turkish brothers to remember this historic event and pays tributes to our heroes who, on this day, embraced shahadat while fighting alongside their Turkish brethren. The unique and historic relationship between Pakistan and Turkey is thus undeniably embedded in our blood and brotherhood. Turkey and its history have had a special place with the founders, leaders and people of Pakistan.”
He went on to say the Armed Forces of both the countries enjoy a very special relationship, totally in sync with the spirit and depth of relationship between our nations. “We are indeed proud of this iron clad relationship and will continue to cooperate in diverse security spheres to face the contemporary challenges together. In his visit to Pakistan last month, the Turkish Prime Minister stated that “Pakistan’s flag is Turkey’s flag and Pakistan’s security is Turkey’s security.” “We complement this sentiment for Turkey. We will always be with Turkey just as Turkey has always been with us. Main challenge for our generation of both the countries is to pass on the value and depth of this historic relationship to our next generation. ‘Pakistan-Turkey Dosti Zindabad Pakistan Pai’
As guest of honour, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed lauded the leadership qualities of Mustafa Kamal Ataturk and said that the solidarity and support shown by Indian Muslims with Turkey remains the basis for today’s special relationship between the two countries. Among those who were inspired by modern Turkey were the founding fathers of Pakistan including Allama Iqbal and the Quaid-i-Azam who was a great admirer of Ataturk and he considered him a role model for Muslims as not only a great Turkish leader but as ‘one of the greatest sons of Islam and world figure, and saviour and maker of modern Turkey’.
He also provided details about Pakistan’s support for oppressed Muslims starting with the freedom struggle of Algeria and Tunisia in the 1950s, Pakistan’s participation in the October 1973 Arab-Israel war in support of Egypt and Syria, Pakistan’s support for Palestine, Afghanistan, Kibris and Pakistan’s distinction of being the first country to provide material and moral support to the freedom struggle of the Bosnian Muslims.
Ambassador Girgin speaking in fluent Urdu, welcomed his guests and explained the significance of the date. During the First World War, on 18 March 1915, the warships of the western powers attacked the Strait of Çanakkale. Their expectation was to cross the strait with minimal resistance, occupy the capital Istanbul and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. Instead they found heavy resistance both at sea and on land.
A hundred years ago today marked the beginning of a legendary victory against the most powerful countries of the time. Led by the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the resistance lasted for more than four years, leading to the defeat of the occupiers and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. “We do not only remember the martyrs of Çanakkale, but all martyrs of all times. The Ottoman Empire faced several wars on different fronts for twelve consecutive years. After the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, we have had martyrs in the Korean War while helping the Korean people maintain their freedom; in Cyprus to prevent the Turks of Cyprus from being massacred; and in the past thirty five years while fighting terrorists who wanted to divide Turkey.” he said.
“Martyrs are not only during wars; they are from all the security forces, from civil servants like teachers, diplomats and others. Having the privilege of being in brotherly Pakistan, we remember also all the martyrs of Pakistan, as well as the martyrs of the forefathers of Pakistani brothers and sisters who embraced martyrdom while they were fighting alongside their Turkish brothers. We will never forget them. They are in our hearts and in our school books in Turkey. ‘Turki Pakistan dosti zindabad.’