“Esteemed Nation, Respected Academicians, and Dear Students,

 

Today, with great pride and gratitude, we commemorate the March 18 Çanakkale Victory, a moment engraved in golden letters in our history. Çanakkale was not merely a battle; it was a symbol of our nation’s unwavering determination, sacrifice, and relentless struggle for independence. The phrase ‘Çanakkale is Impassable!’ stands as a declaration to the world that our noble nation, forged with a deep love for its homeland, would never accept subjugation under any circumstances.

 

One of the greatest commanders of this victory, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, along with his comrades-in-arms, changed the course of the war with their exceptional strategies and courage. Atatürk’s words, ‘I am not ordering you to attack, I am ordering you to die!’ embody our nation's unwavering desire for independence and its resolute will to protect its homeland. The Çanakkale Victory was not just a triumph against the enemy; it marked the birth of the will that laid the foundations of the independent Republic of Türkiye. Young soldiers as young as fifteen rushed to the front lines, writing an epic of courage and proving to the world how our nation unites in solidarity and brotherhood.

 

The Çanakkale Victory is a testament to the Turkish nation's resilience, an indelible signature left on history. Let us never forget that this signature was written in the blood of our martyrs and sealed with the sacrifices of our heroes who fearlessly gave their lives for their homeland. Today, our greatest duty is to safeguard this sacred legacy, act with the consciousness of independence, and strive to advance our country in every field.

 

The youth inheriting this legacy continue to honor the trust of their ancestors by excelling in science, arts, sports, and technology. Our scientists achieve global success with high-tech projects, while our artists and athletes represent our national values on the international stage. The younger generations do not see the spirit of Çanakkale as merely a page in history but as a consciousness that must be carried into the future through knowledge, productivity, and perseverance.

 

As Pamukkale University, we are fully aware of our responsibility to keep the spirit of Çanakkale alive and pass it on to future generations. Our greatest aim is to instill historical awareness in our youth, nurture them as individuals who embrace national and moral values, and elevate our nation through knowledge and wisdom. The determination and perseverance demonstrated in Çanakkale must now be reflected in education, technology, and industry, as we work to further glorify our sacred homeland.

 

On the 110th anniversary of this glorious victory, I wholeheartedly celebrate our nation’s March 18 Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Remembrance Day. I pay my deepest respects, gratitude, and prayers to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, and all our revered martyrs who entrusted this land to us as a sacred homeland. May their souls rest in peace, and their places be in paradise.

 

Çanakkale is Impassable!"