The recent statements made by the Turkish President, comparing the current situation in Kashmir to the historical Battle of Çanakkale, also known as Gallipoli during World War I, have sparked objections from the Indian government. This comparison is not the first time Turkey has brought up Kashmir on an international platform, with a reference to the issue previously made at the United Nations General Assembly back in September 2019.
Understanding the Gallipoli Campaign (1915-16)
Between 1915 and 1916, an event known as the Battle of Gallipoli or the Dardanelles Campaign took place. Considered to be among the highlights of World War I (1914-18), this was an unsuccessful attempt made by the Allied Powers to take control of a crucial sea route that connected Europe and Russia.
The campaign commenced with the deployment of British and French ships in a naval attack of the Dardanelles Straits, which serves as a connection between the Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. The forces supporting these maritime powers included troops from Britain and France, along with divisions of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), established earlier during the war.
Why the Gallipoli Campaign Failed
Several factors contributed to the failure of the Gallipoli Campaign. One of the critical aspects was the lack of accurate intelligence and an unfamiliarity with the terrain. Another significant factor was the formidable resistance put up by the Ottoman Army of Turkey, which proved too challenging to overcome for the invaders.
Results of the Battle & Its Legacy
The Battle of Gallipoli is remembered as one of World War I’s bloodiest battles due to the tens of thousands of soldiers who lost their lives on both sides.
Remarkably, this event had far-reaching consequences in shaping world politics. It led to the downfall of Winston Churchill and the rise of a new hero – Mustafa Kemal Ataturk from the Turkish military. This battle is today seen as one of the key shaping elements of modern Turkish identity.
It also had an enormous impact on the national consciousness of Australia and New Zealand. It’s worth noting that April 25, 1915, the date that marks the Gallipoli landings, is commemorated annually as ANZAC Day. This day serves as a day of national remembrance for those who lost their lives in the war.
World War I Overview
World War I was mainly a conflict between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers. The principal members of the Allied Powers were France, Russia, and Britain, with the United States also joining their ranks post-1917. On the other hand, the Central Powers included key nations like Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire (now Turkey), and Bulgaria.
