The latest on the March 18 Çanakkale Martyrs’ Remembrance Ceremony: The global response to the coronavirus has prompted questions about how the March 18 commemorations in Çanakkale will proceed. Some events planned for the 105th anniversary of the Çanakkale Naval Victory and Martyrs’ Remembrance Day have been canceled due to precautions against COVID-19. Authorities have decided to proceed with a ceremony at the Martyrs’ Monument, while other larger-scale events have been shelved.
After the first cases of coronavirus were reported in Turkey, authorities moved quickly to limit large gatherings, including public celebrations and remembrance ceremonies. School and university closures have been among the early measures, and organizers have also canceled several planned events for March 18 in Çanakkale. Where events remain scheduled, they have been significantly altered to reduce risk and comply with public health guidance.
Decisions were made during a meeting convened by the provincial Commemoration Committee under the deputy governor’s leadership. The committee reviewed planned activities and implemented several changes. One key outcome was the cancellation of the stadium program, which had been expected to be attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Stadium Program Canceled, Commemoration to Proceed
Following the committee’s decisions, the stadium program has been canceled. However, the core remembrance events for the 105th anniversary will still take place in modified form. Specifically, the wreath-laying ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 09:00 in Republic Square will be carried out, and the ceremony at the Martyrs’ Monument at 14:30 will also proceed as planned. On March 26, 2020, the Provincial Commemoration Committee confirmed the cancellation of the remaining programs originally planned for the anniversary in order to prioritize public health and safety.
Authorities continue to monitor public health developments and may adjust plans further as needed. The measures taken reflect efforts to balance respect for the historic significance of March 18 with the need to protect community wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak.