AWP: A Tribute March from Çanakkale to Anıtkabir

The Ataturk World Platform (AWP) organized a cultural and commemoration program in Turkey to mark the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign. Representatives from AWP chapters in the United States, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom first gathered in Istanbul before heading to Çanakkale.

Guided by Maytaş Tourism, the delegation visited the battlefields where they explored the heroic resistance led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Hero of Anafartalar. The stories of patriotism, belief, and sacrifice that led to victory were shared with participants through professional guides. The visit concluded with a press statement from AWP President Jale Özer.

The delegation then travelled to Eskişehir and Ankara. On the morning of March 19, they held an official ceremony at Anıtkabir, where they laid a wreath at Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s mausoleum and observed a moment of silence. The Anıtkabir Memorial Book was also signed during the visit.

Özer wrote the following in the memorial book: “Dear Atatürk, We, as the president and representatives of the Atatürkist World Platform, which brings together 14 associations across seven countries on three continents, stand before you with deep respect and gratitude.

“We pledge to work with determination to uphold your legacy, spread your philosophy of enlightenment, science, reason, and peace, and keep Atatürkist thought alive.

“Your principles and reforms will always guide us. We will carry the light of your vision for a modern, progressive, and peaceful world into the future.

“With eternal respect and devotion, Jale Özer Swailes, President – Atatür World Platform”

Özer emphasized that signing the memorial book was a great honour and underscored the group’s commitment to keeping Atatürk’s legacy alive as their greatest responsibility.

As part of its engagements in Ankara, AWP hosted a screening of the documentary “The Blossoms of Çanakkale”. Produced in 2017 with support from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. A reception followed the screening, which included a brief musical performance featuring traditional Çanakkale folk songs.

Ünal Üstündağ, the documentary’s producer and director, expressed his joy in presenting the film to an international platform of this caliber for the first time.

On the final day of their Ankara program, the AWP delegation visited Dr. Hüsnü Bozkurt, President of the Atatürkist Thought Association (ADD). They also visited the Republican People’s Party (CHP) headquarters and the Turkish Language Association (Dil Derneği), where they shared messages of solidarity.

The AWP said the visit to Anıtkabir was not only a commemorative gesture but also a reaffirmation of their commitment to democracy, secularism, and modern values.

Adding “In a time of great challenges for Turkey, this meaningful visit once again highlighted the AWP’s international resolve to preserve and promote Atatürk’s intellectual and revolutionary legacy.”