UK: Turks visit Turkish naval cemetery on Martyrs’ Day

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

GOSPORT, UK (AA) - Turks living in the U.K. on Monday visited the southern coastal town of Gosport to commemorate Turkey’s fallen soldiers on the Martyrs’ Day.

More than 200 people who came from different corners of the country visited the Turkish Naval Cemetery, where 26 naval officers and soldiers were laid to rest in the 19th century.

In 1850, the Mirat-i Zafer, a frigate, and Sirag-i Bahri, an Ottoman battleship, visited Portsmouth for training purposes but 26 of their crew lost perished due to epidemics and other factors.

On March 18, the anniversary of the Canakkale Naval Victory against Allied forces in 1915, Turkey commemorates its martyrs from the Ottoman era and two world wars, as well as those who lost their lives in security operations, terrorist attacks and defeated coup of 2016 in the country.

The ceremony started with a minute of silence, followed by Turkey’s national anthem.

In attendance were Turkey’s Ambassador to the U.K. Umit Yalcin, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ambassador Oya Tunali, Gosport Mayor Diane Furlong, and Turkish military and community representatives.

Underlining the heroism of Turkey’s martyrs not only in past wars, but also in 2016 failed coup, Yalcin spoke of the significance of the Canakkale victory.

Also remembering Turkish diplomats martyred by Asala and 17 November terror groups, Yalcın said “we also commemorate our martyrs who were killed while on duty.”

Yalcin underlined that commemorative days are special days that strengthen “our national unity.”

The ambassador and the mayor left red carnations on martyrs’ graves. The ceremony ended with prayers and laying wreaths on the memorial.