21.01.2026 14:21
In a study conducted by Dr. İsmail Sabah from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, it was revealed that the 19th Division, commanded by Atatürk, was established not in Tekirdağ on February 1, 1915, but in Gallipoli on January 21, 1915. Sabah stated, "With our research, we have uncovered for the first time that the location of the division's establishment was Gallipoli 111 years ago today."
It was determined that the establishment date and location of the 19th Division, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Mustafa Kemal Bey (Atatürk) during the Gallipoli Campaign, is incorrectly placed in the literature. In a study conducted by Dr. İsmail Sabah from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (COMU), it was revealed that the 19th Division was established in Gallipoli on January 21, 1915, not in Tekirdağ on February 1, 1915.
"WE DISCOVERED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT STORY IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS KNOWN" Dr. İsmail Sabah stated that the 19th Division is one of the most recognized and prominent units in the Gallipoli Campaign due to its command by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, saying, "However, when we look at the literature regarding the establishment of the 19th Division, we often see it stated that it was established in Tekirdağ on February 1, 1915. However, with our recent study, we have revealed for the first time that this establishment story is actually very different from what is known. In the establishment story of the 19th Division, the journals of the 3rd Corps, under which it was established, and the journals of the 1st Army are of great importance. When we read these war journals, we found that the establishment occurred in a very different way and in a different location than what was expressed."
"WE SEE THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT WORK HAS BEGUN" Dr. Sabah continued his remarks: "Although the 3rd Corps was stationed in Tekirdağ, it was shifted to Gallipoli due to the increasing threat towards the Dardanelles in November. As of November 12, 1914, the 3rd Corps Headquarters, along with its 7th Division, has completed its transfer to Gallipoli. Meanwhile, the 8th Division, another division of the corps, was decided to be sent to the 4th Army Front due to the Canal Operation to be carried out against the British in Egypt, which brought the establishment of a new division within the 3rd Corps to the agenda. On December 31, 1914, a letter marked 'secret' was sent to the 3rd Corps, which was then in Gallipoli. It inquired about the views on the establishment of a new division to replace the 8th Division to be sent to the 4th Army. In fact, with this correspondence, we can see that the establishment work of the division that would become the 19th Division has at least begun in a conceptual sense."
"THE DIVISION NUMBER IS ALSO GIVEN ON THE SAME DAY" Dr. Sabah pointed out that during this time, Mustafa Kemal Bey, who was serving as a military attaché in Sofia, insisted on wanting an active duty, stating, "He will be appointed as the commander of this division, which is planned to be re-established. When we look at the appointment letter of Mustafa Kemal Bey, we see that the number '19' is not mentioned; it only states that he was appointed to the command of the division that is planned to be re-established. Because on January 20, 1915, when Mustafa Kemal Bey was appointed to the division command, the division number was also given on the same day. Following this, the Commander of the 1st Army, Marshal Liman von Sanders, orders the 3rd Corps the next day. When we look at the journals of the 3rd Corps on January 21, 1915, we see that this order from Liman Pasha was accepted as a 'definite' order and that the organizational work of the division has begun, meaning it has been officially established," he said.
"THE 19TH DIVISION WAS ESTABLISHED IN GALLIPOLI" Dr. Sabah emphasized that since the corps was in Gallipoli at that time, the establishment work of the 19th Division also began there, stating, "We see that the 57th Regiment, one of the regiments of the 19th Division, was also established in Gallipoli. The issuance of the official establishment order for the division does not mean that the division immediately came into being. Because supply soldiers, along with soldiers taken from different units, began to form companies and battalions, meaning that the organizational work has started. Gradually, the division is being formed with officer appointments from different units. The establishment date of the 19th Division is neither February 1 nor Tekirdağ. We see that it was officially established in Gallipoli on January 21, 1915," he stated.
"EVERYONE IS SURPRISED BECAUSE NO ONE KNEW" Dr. Sabah noted that Mustafa Kemal Bey came from Sofia to Istanbul during this process, stating, "As soon as Atatürk arrived in Istanbul, he began to search for the division he was appointed to. However, we see that there was great astonishment here. Because he introduces himself to everyone as the Commander of the 19th Division. However, since no one was aware of the existence of the 19th Division, everyone looked at him in surprise. Finally, in his meeting with the Chief of Staff of the 1st Army, Kazım Bey, he explains this situation. Kazım Bey also tells him that the 3rd Corps in Gallipoli has organized a new division and that he should apply there once. Upon this, Mustafa Kemal Bey asks, 'Is there a division that I am the commander of, or not? Do I need to go to Gallipoli to understand this?' Kazım Bey replies, 'Yes, that is indeed the case.'"
THE TRUTH EMERGED TODAY, 111 YEARS LATER Dr.
In the morning, he continued his words: "When we look at the war journals, we see that Mustafa Kemal Bey arrived in Gallipoli on January 31, 1915. He sees the 19th Division, which had already begun organizational efforts and had some elements formed, for the first time in Gallipoli. However, without staying here, he departs on the same day in the evening and arrives in Tekirdağ on February 1, 1915. Organizational efforts continue in Tekirdağ, and training begins rapidly. Nevertheless, we cannot say that Tekirdağ is the place where the 19th Division fully took shape. Because with the order given on February 22, 1915, the 58th and 59th regiments within the division are taken; instead, the 72nd and 77th regiments are sent to Eceabat. After the division arrives in Eceabat, it takes its final form with the participation of the 72nd and 77th regiments. In summary, we have revealed for the first time through our work that the founding place and date of the 19th Division, which is associated with Atatürk and is one of the most prominent units in the Gallipoli Battles, is Gallipoli on January 21, 1915, which is 111 years ago today, contrary to what is stated in the literature."