Mehmetçik

Many of the defining victories in Turkish history have taken place during the sweltering heights of summer. There is a fundamental reason behind this pattern: the harsh winter months were spent in feverish preparation—logistics, provisioning, and the long march of the army—while campaigns were launched in spring and summer to avoid the perils of unforgiving terrain.

From Malazgirt to Otlukbeli, from Mercidabık to Dumlupınar, these monumental victories—many of which adorn the month of August—continue to echo in today’s cross-border operations and in the fight against terrorism both within and beyond the nation’s borders.

As a tribute to these “soldiers of victory,” Anadolu Ajansı (AA) has prepared this commemorative volume as an act of remembrance. Supported by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and ASELSAN, the book features dozens of powerful photographs that highlight both the milestones of Türkiye’s indigenous defense industry and the quiet compassion of the Turkish soldier beyond the battlefield.

Visually striking and historically rich, Mehmetçik: The Soldiers of Victory stands as both a lasting tribute and a reference work that reveals the distinctive spirit of the Turkish Armed Forces.