Fedon honors grandfather martyred at Gallipoli: I am a son of this land

By Yusuf İnan | Wise News Press

ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Famous Turkish singer Fedon Kalyoncu paid a moving tribute to his grandfather, Kleanti Kalyoncu, who was martyred during the Battle of Gallipoli, marking the 111th anniversary of the historic victory and Martyrs' Remembrance Day.

The 80-year-old artist shared a rare black-and-white photograph of his grandfather on social media, revealing the poignant story of a soldier who left for the front while his wife was pregnant and never returned. The tribute highlights the diverse fabric of the heroes who fought for the Turkish homeland during the First World War.

"He died for his country"

In his emotional post, Fedon described the heavy price his family paid for the nation's independence. He noted that the separation caused by the war meant that neither his father nor he ever had the chance to meet the patriarch of their family.

"This man you see standing there went to Gallipoli as a soldier while his wife was pregnant and never came back. He was martyred for his country. Neither his son, nor my father, nor I ever got to see him. May the homeland live long. How happy is the one who says I am a Turk. Rest in peace, my grandfather, my pride, Kleanti Kalyoncu."

"I am a child of this nation"

Speaking later to Kelebek, Fedon expanded on his family's history and their unwavering commitment to Turkey. He emphasized that his grandmother never remarried after losing her husband at Çanakkale, carrying the grief of the "fire that burns where it falls" for the rest of her life.

The singer addressed his identity and loyalty with firm conviction, noting that military service was a tradition in his family. Fedon pointed out that his father served as a soldier for five years, while he himself completed two years of service.

"We are the true Turks of this country," Fedon stated during the interview. "Why did my grandfather fight? Why did he never return and instead leave his life there? For Turkey, for his homeland. At 80 years old, I am still a person so devoted to my country that I can carry my flag with pride and say, 'May the homeland live long.' No one can change me after 80 years. I am a child of this nation."

The artist's message resonated widely across social media, serving as a reminder of the shared sacrifices made by various communities during the Gallipoli Campaign to secure the future of the Republic.

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