June 4, 1921 | Çankaya, Ankara

At the strategic heart of the Turkish National Struggle, just on the eve of the critical Battle of Kütahya-Eskişehir, a single photograph captures a profound moment of "the calm before the storm."

This historic frame brings together the high command of the Turkish army: Mustafa Kemal Pasha (President of the Grand National Assembly), İsmet Pasha (Commander of the Western Front), and Çolak İbrahim Bey (Commander of the 3rd Cavalry Division).

The Historical Background: Gathering Clouds

To understand the gravity of this moment, one must look at the operative theater of the time. The Aslıhanlar-Dumlupınar engagements in April 1921 had revealed a harsh reality: the Turkish Army, though resilient, did not yet possess the definitive offensive capability required to push the enemy back entirely. Recognizing this, the Greek Army of Asia Minor was heavily amassing its forces along the Bursa and Uşak lines, preparing to seize the offensive initiative for a decisive blow.

Strategic Restructuring in Ankara

This high-level meeting in Ankara was far from a mere courtesy call; its primary agenda was the urgent restructuring of the military organization. The Western Front Command was working tirelessly against the clock to establish reliable lines of communication, replace personnel casualties, and secure vital ammunition. The Turkish high command was actively drafting defense-in-depth plans to counter the impending Greek general offensive.

The Critical Role of the Cavalry

The presence of Çolak İbrahim Bey, Commander of the 3rd Cavalry Division, in this photograph is highly significant. In an era and a theater completely devoid of armored and motorized units, the cavalry was the most critical combat force. They were the eyes and ears of the army, executing vital tasks such as tactical reconnaissance, screening maneuvers, and deep infiltration behind enemy lines to disrupt supply chains.

The Impending Trial

Just one month after this photograph was taken, the Battle of Kütahya-Eskişehir would subject the Turkish Army to one of its most severe trials. Following heavy clashes, Mustafa Kemal Pasha would make one of the most difficult and courageous decisions in military strategy: ordering a tactical retreat east of the Sakarya River to save the army from total annihilation—a masterstroke that would ultimately change the tide of the war.

A Legacy of Strategic Resolve

Ultimately, this photograph is not just a portrait of three commanders. It is a visual summary of the strategic command table—a testament to the unwavering resolve and tactical brilliance of the military leadership steering a besieged nation through its darkest and most turbulent days.

Today, we honor the memory of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, İsmet İnönü, Çolak İbrahim Bey, and the heroic soldiers of the Turkish War of Independence.