Corvettes and frigates are of great importance among Turkey’s domestic and national defense industry projects. In this regard, TCG Anadolu Ship, symbolizing the centenary of the republic, was launched into the blue waters in recent months. TCG KINALIADA, on the other hand, entered service in 2019 and is now bound for Japan. So what exactly does the 134-year special mission entail? Here are the details…
TCG KINALIADA on its way to Japan!
What does the special mission involve? Corvettes and frigates are of great importance among Turkey’s domestic and national defense industry projects, with MİLGEM being particularly significant. TCG KINALIADA, also known as the F-514 Corvette, is the latest ship of the MİLGEM ADA Class Corvette Project. It is also the youngest corvette of the Turkish Naval Forces.
The ship has set sail for Japan for a very special mission. To explain the special nature of the mission, we go back 134 years. On July 14, 1889, Sultan Abdulhamid II prepared the Ertuğrul Frigate to strengthen the friendship with Japan and make a return visit.
The frigate set sail carrying the Sultan’s sealed letter, several special gifts, and a token of gratitude. However, mishaps plagued the journey. On the second day of the voyage, the ship got stuck in the sand in the Suez Canal and in the following days, it survived severe accidents like colliding with rocks. After sailing for 11 months, the ship finally arrived in Japan.
However, the return journey was also fraught with mishaps. First, the ship was struck by a cholera epidemic, resulting in the death of 13 soldiers. Then, the ship encountered a storm. Battling with giant waves for a long time, the ship unfortunately had its rudder broken and began to drift. Drifting towards the rocks, the ship suffered extensive damage and sank. Due to the epidemic, only 69 out of a crew of 607 survived.
Villagers near the rocks rushed to help. Thanks to them, the bodies of 260 martyrs were found. The bodies were buried in an area overlooking the rocks. Japan built a monument on this hill and then a Turkish Museum. Every year, they commemorate the Ottoman sailors who lost their lives in the accident.
TCG KINALIADA is going to complete the mission that Ertuğrul left unfinished exactly 134 years later. What do you think? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section…
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