A conference titled “The Gallipoli Campaign and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk” was delivered by Research Assistant Aytunç Ülker, a member of the Department of History, on March 18, 2026, at Karaman Open Penal Institution, within the scope of the Commemoration of the Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs' Day.

In the conference, the historical background of the Gallipoli Campaign was examined within the broader context of World War I, addressing the causes of the war, the belligerent parties, and the involvement of the Ottoman Empire in the conflict. In this regard, the political and economic rivalries in Europe, the alliance system, and the strategic objectives of the great powers over Ottoman territories were analyzed. The process leading to the opening of the Gallipoli front, the Allied plans to seize the Straits, and the underlying military and political motivations were also discussed. In this context, the strategic approaches of key figures of the period, such as Winston Churchill and Lord Kitchener, were evaluated.

Furthermore, the military leadership and strategic foresight of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the Gallipoli front were highlighted. In this framework, his appointment as the commander of the 19th Division, his critical interventions at Arıburnu and Anafartalar, and his decisions that significantly influenced the course of the campaign were examined in detail.

The conference also emphasized the significance of the naval victory, analyzing how the heavy losses suffered by the Allied fleet and its subsequent withdrawal affected the overall course of the campaign. In addition, the development of the land battles, trench warfare, and Mustafa Kemal’s leadership during his tenure as Commander of the Anafartalar Group were elaborated upon.

The conference concluded with the commemoration of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, along with the martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for the homeland.