Sarıkamış Operation Commemorated in Kars
In the northeastern region of Türkiye, near the Armenian border, the city of Kars hosted the 110th-anniversary events of the Sarıkamış Operation in the Sarıkamış district.
Torch-Lit Procession
Thousands of individuals took part in a torch-lit procession to honor the memory of the Sarıkamış Operation.
Commemorative Events
Participants gathered at the Kazım Karabekir Paşa Mosque for a Mevlid (prayer) to remember the soldiers who lost their lives during the campaign. They then proceeded to Sarıkamış July 15 Democracy Square carrying Turkish flags and torches.
Cultural Performances
At the square, the Izmir Cold Sculpture Workshop presented the play "Cold Sculptures," directed by Hüseyin Özer. Sand artist Ömer Faruk Elmas also showcased a sand performance depicting the Sarıkamış soldiers.
Torch-Lit Procession
Following the play, Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, along with other officials and thousands of attendees, initiated a torch-lit procession.
March to the Martyrs' Cemetery
Despite the frigid temperature of minus 15 degrees Celsius, participants marched approximately 3 kilometers to the Upper Sarıkamış Martyrs' Cemetery, chanting Takbirs along the way.
Commemoration at the Cemetery
At the cemetery, the Quran was recited, prayers were offered for the fallen soldiers, and torches were used to illuminate the words "Ruhun Şad Olsun" (Rest in Peace).
Community Participation
In addition to military units, volunteers from the Red Crescent and various civil society organizations from different cities joined the procession.
Participant Testimonies
Participant Fikriye Kaynak emphasized the importance of honoring the martyrs and expressed her emotional connection to the event. Another participant, Büşra Güney, highlighted the significance of braving the cold to pay respects.
The Sarıkamış Offensive
The Sarıkamış offensive was launched during World War I to halt the Russian forces' advance towards the Ottoman Empire's eastern borders. The campaign suffered significant losses due to harsh weather conditions.
Historical Significance
Despite the Ottoman defeat in Sarıkamış, the events led to the initiation of the Gallipoli campaign, a turning point that eventually paved the way for the Turkish War of Independence and the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye.
