We commemorate the will that walked in Sarıkamış without thinking of turning back; we pass on this historical memory as a legacy to the younger generations.
These lands remain silent under the weight of the will that walks without thinking of returning, not counting the lives lost in Sarıkamış.
The Sarıkamış Operation, which lasted from December 22, 1914, to January 5, 1915,
is a heavy test where cold, scarcity, and sacrifice are experienced simultaneously.
In those days, there was cold. There was scarcity. There was impossibility. However, there was no turning back.
On the occasion of December 22, Commemoration Day of the Sarıkamış Martyrs, we remember with mercy, gratitude, and respect our thousands of Mehmetçiks who walked to martyrdom for their homeland without blinking an eye.
This memory does not need words.
Sarıkamış shows what a person remains loyal to in difficult times.
It is the name of not taking a step back under difficult conditions, of being united, and of rallying around the same ideal.
This stance reminds every generation of its responsibility. We tell our youth: Do not retreat in difficult times. Do not escape from responsibility. Never give up on unity.
Because that will which walked in Sarıkamış is a trust left to the character, stance, and outlook on life of our youth today. Sarıkamış,
is a memory that teaches what it means to not give up.
These lands keep alive the names of those who carry the trust.
The memory of our Sarıkamış martyrs determines the direction of the steps we take towards the future. A youth that loves its homeland, knows its history, and is aware of the responsibility it carries continues its journey under the guidance of this memory.
For this reason, just like every year, we are keeping Sarıkamış alive in our memory this year with our students, scholarship holders, and the youth in our youth centers.
This memory connects the youth to each other and the past to the present. It reminds us what it means to stand together, walk together, and stay strong together.
These lands wish for what has been entrusted to them to be carried into the future.
We continue to leave this trust to tomorrow with a strengthened identity in the conscience of the youth and
the will to live together.
On this occasion, we commemorate all our martyrs, especially our Mehmetçiks who walked to martyrdom in Sarıkamış, with mercy, gratitude, and respect.
May their souls be blessed, and their places be paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sarıkamış Operation?
The Sarıkamış Operation is a military operation carried out between December 22, 1914, and January 5, 1915, conducted with great sacrifices under severe winter conditions. This operation is one of the symbols of the will shown by the Turkish nation for the sake of its homeland.
Why are the Sarıkamış martyrs commemorated?
The Sarıkamış martyrs are representatives of a will that walked for the homeland without considering returning, despite scarcity and impossibilities. Commemorating them is of great importance in keeping the historical consciousness alive and passing this trust to future generations.
When is the Commemoration Day of the Sarıkamış Martyrs held?
The Commemoration Day of the Sarıkamış Martyrs is observed every year on December 22. On this occasion, the Mehmetçiks who walked to martyrdom in Sarıkamış are remembered with mercy and gratitude.
Why is the Sarıkamış Operation a historical turning point?
Sarıkamış has become one of the symbols of the sacrifice shown by the Turkish nation for the sake of its homeland and the will that does not consider turning back, independent of its military results.
Why is it important to commemorate Sarıkamış today?
Commemorating Sarıkamış reminds us of the meaning of uniting, solidarity, and rallying around common values, beyond just connecting with the past. This memory strengthens the social stance.
