WASHINGTON

Turkish Communications Director Fahrettin Altun on Monday hailed Canakkale Victory and Martyrs' Day, which marks the anniversary of a key victory during World War I.

"Canakkale Victory is the name of an epic whose results reverberated around the world, changed the course of history, (and) embodied the love of the homeland, and its every moment is full of heroism," Altun said on X.

He said the Canakkale Victory is "one of the most valuable" lessons of Turkish history.

"This victory is an example that sheds light on centuries of our nation's determination and heroism with the spirit of unity and solidarity.

"'Canakkale Spirit' represents our nation's determination to fight for its independence at all times and under all circumstances. Therefore, it is one of our most important duties to convey the meaning and value of the Canakkale Victory to future generations," he added.

Gallipoli campaign

Tens of thousands of soldiers died in one of the world's most ferocious battles 108 years ago in the Gallipoli campaign in the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

The battle took place between April 25, 1915 and Jan. 9, 1916.

Britain and France wanted to secure their ally Russia as the Gallipoli Peninsula provided a sea route to what was then the Russian Empire.

Their aim was to capture Istanbul, then capital of the Ottomans.

The Turks repelled a naval attack, and there were thousands of casualties on both sides during the eight-month offensive.

When the land campaign also failed, the invading forces withdrew.

Victory against the Allied forces boosted the morale of the Turkish side, which then went on to wage a war of independence in 1919-1922 and eventually formed a republic in 1923 from the ashes of the old empire.