Learn all about The Victory of Dardanelles
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Turkey Series at TurkishClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Turkish holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 16 - The Victory of Dardanelles. In Turkish, it’s called Çanakkale Zaferi. |
| The Dardanelles Campaign took place during the First World War, on the Gelibolu peninsula between allied powers under the British command and the Ottoman armies. Under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal, the Ottoman army defended themselves and succeeded in pushing the enemies back. |
| In this lesson, you will learn about the role the March 18, 1916 Dardanelles War victory played in the foundation of the Republic of Turkey. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question- |
| What made Dardanelles strategically important in the First World War? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| The Ottomans fought against Britain, France, and the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), who were under the command of the British. This war was the biggest amphibious operation to take place until the Second World War. Overwhelmed with a large number of casualties, the Allies could not get past the Dardanelles Strait, also known as Çanakkale Boğazı, and could not conquer İstanbul. |
| During this battle, Mustafa Kemal showed his extraordinary military skills, and was honored with the name The Hero of Anafartalar or Anafartalar Kahramanı. Such achievements reinforced his identity as a national leader. April 25, Anzac Day, or Anzak Günü in Australia and New Zealand is a public holiday, to commemorate the large number of Australian and New Zealand soldiers killed during the war. |
| This battle can actually be considered as the beginning of Turkish national liberation, or in Turkish Türk milli bağımsızlığı. To commemorate the fact that the war took place in severe conditions and with much hardship, on this day in schools, children stage plays, and read poems and war letters that attest to the devotion that was required during the war. |
| It is also believed that one night during the war, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was inspired by the moon and a star reflecting in a puddle of blood, and decided to suggest that the Turkish flag depict a star and the crescent moon, or ay-yıldız, on a blood-red background. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| What made Dardanelles strategically important in the First World War? |
| For Russia, straits such as the Dardanelles were the only gateways to the open seas. Russia was unable to sustain ammunition for such a prolonged battle. Capturing these straits would strengthen Russia and lighten the western front’s burden, thereby hastening the war. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| What is the most important geopolitical location in your country? |
| Leave us a comment letting us know at TurkishClass101.com. And we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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