A memorial ceremony for the victims of the Ottoman Turkish warship “Ertuğrul”, which was wrecked off the coast of Ōshima on September 16, 1890, was held on the 16th in front of the memorial monument in Kashino, a town near the site of the disaster. Approximately 150 people attended, including officials from the Turkish embassy and local residents, to mourn the victims.

135 years ago, the Ertuğrul, which had visited Japan on a goodwill mission, encountered a typhoon off the coast of Ōshima on its return journey and struck a reef. The engine exploded, causing the ship to sink. 587 crew members perished, but 69 were rescued thanks to the tireless search efforts of the islanders.

The treatment of the survivors and their subsequent return home…

Ertuğrul

The Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque is a prominent Ottoman-era mosque located in the Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. It was built in the late 19th century and is named after Ertuğrul, the father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque serves as a significant cultural and religious site, reflecting the region’s historical Turkic and Islamic heritage.

Ōshima

Ōshima is a volcanic island in the Izu archipelago of Japan, renowned for its active volcano, Mount Mihara. Historically, it has been a site of exile and inspiration, including for literary figures, and today attracts visitors for its hot springs and dramatic landscapes. The island also played a role in World War II as a strategic military outpost.

Kashino

Kashino is a coastal area in Okinawa, Japan, historically known as the site of the final command post of the Imperial Japanese Army during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Today, it is part of the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, which serves as a place for reflection and remembrance of the war’s casualties.

memorial monument

A memorial monument is a structure erected to honor and remember significant people, events, or groups from history. They serve as a physical focal point for collective memory and reflection, often commemorating wartime sacrifices, historical tragedies, or influential leaders. Their history is intrinsically linked to the events they represent, ensuring that past lessons and legacies are preserved for future generations.

Ottoman Turkish warship

The Ottoman Turkish warship was a key naval asset of the Ottoman Empire, which dominated the Mediterranean and Black Seas for centuries. These vessels, including famous galleys and later steam-powered ironclads, were instrumental in expanding and defending the empire’s vast territories. Their history reflects the empire’s naval power, from its peak at the 16th-century Battle of Preveza to its eventual decline in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia with a rich history spanning millennia, including ancient imperial rule, the feudal era of samurai, and its modern transformation after World War II. It is renowned for its unique cultural heritage, which blends ancient Shinto and Buddhist traditions with cutting-edge technology and pop culture. Key historical sites include ancient capitals like Kyoto, with its numerous temples and gardens, and Hiroshima, a symbol of peace and resilience.

Turkish embassy

The Turkish Embassy is the official diplomatic mission of the Republic of Turkey in a host country, facilitating international relations. Its history is tied to the establishment of the modern Turkish state in 1923, following the fall of the Ottoman Empire. These embassies serve to promote Turkish interests, provide consular services, and foster cultural exchange.

engine

An engine is a mechanical device that converts energy into motion, with the most common modern form being the internal combustion engine developed in the late 19th century. Its invention was a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution, fundamentally transforming transportation, manufacturing, and modern society.