The unknown face of the Battle of Gallipoli (Battle of Canakkale): Jewish soldiers

Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews opened its new exhibition “Battle of Gallipoli, World War I and the Ottoman Jews”.

At the opening ceremony that was held at TBMM Mustafa Necati Culture Center, the news of the recent Ankara bombing was a hot topic. Turkish Parliamentary Deputy Speaker Ahmet Aydin gave the opening speech. Aydin and other speakers including Chief Rabbi Isak Haleva and the exhibition’s curator Metin Delevi all started their speeches by condemning the terror attack that took place in the heart of Turkey’s capital, Ankara. They all asked for God’s mercy and grace for those who lost their lives at the attack and offered their condolences to their families and our country.

“Battle of Gallipoli is a story of gallantry as well as a story of solidarity among those with different religions, faiths and ethnic identities but all Ottoman Empire citizens whose common ground was their loyalty to their homeland.” said Turkish Parliamentary Deputy Speaker Ahmet Aydin at his speech. Aydin added that among the Ottoman Empire citizens who without any second thoughts went to war do die for their country were the Turkish Jews. He said that their patriotism, sacrifice and the precious memories they left behind shall never be forgotten.

“Among the Ottoman Empire citizens who without any hesitation went to war to die for their country were the Jewish citizens. Jewish citizens had also taken on significant roles in the founding of our Republic. Today they are an integral part of our country and people.”

Aydın mentioned that there is a certain group of people, which he describes as marginal, who use hate speech and defamatory claims that imply that Jews are not the citizens of our country. He stated that they are closely monitoring and observing these indictments. He also added that they consider these acts as gross injustice done to Turkish Jews who have worked relentlessly for the foundation of Turkish Republic and supported the development of the nation as well as stayed loyal to the governments throughout history.

Aydin said that Jews have fought at numerous battles including Gallipoli, noting that there is a monument for a Jewish doctor who froze to death at the battle of Sarikamis  and Nesim Navarro a Turkish Jews from Bergama brought down the enemy’s flag (Greek flag) during the occupation of Izmir in 1919.

Last but not least, Aydin expressed his joy for participating in the opening of an exhibition which will shed light on the past. He also stated that he wishes to visit the recently renovated Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews in Istanbul.

Fuente: salom.com.tr