On the occasion of 18 March Martyrs' Day and the 109th Anniversary of the Çanakkale Naval Victory, a photography exhibition with the theme of "Çanakkale Victory" was opened by Astana Yunus Emre Institute, hosted by the Military and Historical Museum of the Kazakhstan Armed Forces, with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Astana.

Ambassador the Republic of Türkiye to Astana Mustafa Kapucu, Kazakhstan Ministry of Defense Education and Ideological Studies Department Head Colonel Tleuhan Baskojayev, Kazakhstan Parliament Deputies Abzal Kuspan, Aytuar Koşmambetov, Güldara Nurumova, representatives of the ruling party Amanat, Astana YEI Deputy Director Dr. Almagül İsina, many students and members of the press attended the ceremony.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition, which featured approximately 40 photographs from the General Staff Archive depicting the war on the Çanakkale front, was held by the Republic of TÜrliye. It started with the screening of a video with Kazakh subtitles prepared by the Ministry of Defense. Subsequently, the military anthem named "Amangeldi Imanov", dedicated to the martyrs of Çanakkale, was performed by the Kazakhstan Armed Forces Military Orchestra.

"It is one of the most honorable and brightest pages in the history of Turkish heroism"

Speaking at the ceremony, "We are very happy to come together here today at the opening ceremony of this meaningful exhibition on the 109th anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory. The historical victory over the enemy on March 18, 1915 is one of the most honorable and brightest pages in the history of Turkish heroism. This victory, which is also a symbol of the Turkish nation's struggle for existence, is also a beautiful expression of a spirit kneaded with perseverance, courage and love of the homeland. The Turkish nation became hope for all the oppressed with its unique struggle in Çanakkale, and many countries under colonial rule, they started their own struggle with the inspiration they received from from Çanakkale and later to Independence war. In this respect, the Çanakkale Victory is a common victory not only for us, but also for 100 million of our brothers from the Balkans to Africa, from Europe to Asia. This glorious victory belongs to the oppressed people who turned their eyes and hearts to our country as well as to Türkiye and the Turkish nation," Ambassador Mustafa Kapucu said.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Colonel Tleuhan Baskojayev, Head of the Education and Ideological Studies Department of the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan, made his assessment: "The ‘Çanakkale Victory’, which has an important place in the history of the First World War, is a sign of the endless power and faith of the Turkish people. "In today's exhibition at the Military and Historical Museum of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, photographs depicting the heroism and bravery of the soldiers martyred in the Gallipoli War, their patriotism and their moments of duty are presented. We have full faith that the exhibition will contribute to the deepening of the historical and cultural ties between the two countries and the strengthening of mutual cooperation." 

Deputy of the Kazakhstan Parliament Abzal Kuspan used the following expression: “I first learned about the Çanakkale Victory and the heroic struggle of the Turkish nation through an article published in the newspaper 'Jas Alash' when I was in high school. The great example of courage displayed by Corporal Seyit aroused admiration in me over time. I would like to underline that the Çanakkale Victory is not only the victory of Turkey and the Turkish people, but also the common victory of the entire Turkish World," he said.

After the opening speeches, the work "Çanakkale Martyrdom" by Nazerke Kemelbayeva, one of the Astana YEI trainees, was presented to Colonel Baskojaev, Head of the Education and Ideology Department of the Ministry of Defense. Beles music group performed the folk songs "Çanakkale" and "Hey Onbeşli". The exhibition remained open to visitors until March 21.

The exhibition event also found wide coverage in the Kazakh press.