Independence Road

İstiklal Yolu is a supply route that extended from Turkish to the front during the War of Independence, Black Sea Region. Beginning at İnebolu Port, this route passes through Kastamonu, Ilgaz, and Çankırı, reaching Ankara. During the most critical phases of the war, it played a vital role in transporting weapons, ammunition, food, medicine, and other logistics supplies to the front. This road was not merely a military supply line; it became a symbol of the nation’s total struggle for independence and an emblem of love and resistance.

Drone Image of İstiklal Yolu (Çankırı KTB)

Historical Background

Following the signing of the Armistice of Mudros on 30 October 1918, the Ottoman State effectively ceased to exist, and Anatolia, particularly from west and southern regions onward, came under occupation. Although Istanbul was under the control of occupying forces, nationalist elements there secretly shipped weapons and ammunition to Anatolia. Secret organizations in Istanbul, such as the Mim Mim Group and Karakol Society, dispatched weapons covertly to İnebolu, from where they were transported via Kastamonu to Ankara. İnebolu Port’s geopolitical importance stemmed from its connection to Istanbul via one of the most short sea routes in the Black Sea. These transport operations, conducted under British naval surveillance in the Black Sea, carried great risk, yet they succeeded due to the mobilization and sacrifice of the people. Ammunition dispatched from here was carried on carts along arduous routes to the front.

During this period, the local people, especially women and the elderly, actively participated in safeguarding this route and sustaining logistical operations. Local Turkish Hearth organizations, Law Defense Societies, and civil associations provided both weapons and manpower support through this route. Therefore, İstiklal Yolu is regarded not only as a logistical line but also as one of the starting points of popular resistance in Anatolia.

Periods and Purposes of Use of İstiklal Yolu

İstiklal Yolu was used as a main supply route from 1919 to 1922, during the period of supporting the Kuvâ-yi Milliye movement and establishing the regular army.

• Military Purpose: The weapons and ammunition needs of regular army units on the Western Front were met via this route. Its vital importance increased significantly before the Battle of Sakarya and the Great Offensive.
• Logistical Purpose: War is won not only by weapons but also by food, clothing, medicine, and shelter. In this regard, İstiklal Yolu functioned as a broad logistical support line.
• Shelter and Transit Route: Many intellectuals, soldiers, and patriotic citizens forced to flee Istanbul used this route to reach Anatolia and join the National Movement administration in Ankara.
• Social Mobilization: Along this route, villagers and townspeople carried ammunition, undertaking nighttime journeys on foot or by cart through harsh winter conditions to contribute to the front. The sacrifices made by women and children along this route represent the peak of social solidarity.

One of the most important features of İstiklal Yolu is that it was a route on which not only soldiers but also civilians actively participated and demonstrated great sacrifices in this war.

Route and Structural Features

İstiklal Yolu is approximately 340 km long. Beginning at İnebolu, it passes through the Sphere Mountains, then via Seydiler, Kastamonu, Ilgaz, Çankırı, and Kalecik to reach Ankara. Certain sections of the route, particularly the high-altitude areas of Ilgaz Mountains, were traversed despite harsh winter conditions and severe transportation difficulties.

Along this route:

• İnebolu Turkish Hearth served as a center for organizing weapons shipments.
• Şerife Bacı Monument, located in Kastamonu, symbolizes female heroism.
• Ilgaz Mountains were among the most difficult sections for logistical transport.
• Stations in Çankırı were among the final stops before ammunition reached the front.

This route is not merely a path but a culture route that witnessed the rebirth of a nation throughout history.

A Monument Related to İstiklal Yolu (AA - Özgür Alantor)

Şerife Bacı: The Heroine and Symbol of İstiklal Yolu

Şerife Bacı is the most well-known symbol of İstiklal Yolu and one of the strongest examples of female heroism during the War of Independence. Şerife Bacı, who carried ammunition from Kastamonu to the front, died of exposure on the Ilgaz Mountains in December 1921 due to extreme winter conditions and freezing temperatures. While carrying ammunition on her cart with her child in her arms, she struggled to survive against the snow and frozen ground, but despite her sacrifice, she could not survive. Her heroic struggle symbolizes the sacrifice and resistance of the Turkish nation for independence and freedom. Her fight stands as the most powerful testament to the entire people’s unified spirit of resistance.

In addition, many unnamed heroines, elderly individuals, and child carried ammunition along İstiklal Yolu with immense dedication and became part of this great struggle. During days-long arduous journeys by cart, these heroes did everything in their power to fulfill their duty to the homeland, without expecting any reward. Most of them sought only to contribute to their nation’s fight for independence, not honors or recognition. Their heroism reveals how the people, through solidarity and unity, demonstrated immense resistance, fighting with extraordinary determination and faith to overcome hardship.

Role of İstiklal Yolu in the National Struggle

İstiklal Yolu was an indispensable route for the sustainability of the national struggle. A large portion of the ammunition used in the battles of Sakarya and Dumlupınar was delivered to the front via this route. The inability of the enemy forces to control this route was a major disadvantage, allowing the Turkish army to gain strategic superiority. İstiklal Yolu also functioned as a communication network that united the nation. The spirit of resistance spreading from Village villages and town towns became a unified common consciousness through this route.

İstiklal Yolu (İYEKTVGD)

İstiklal Yolu Today

In 2008, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Kastamonu Governorship, efforts began to preserve the historical value of İstiklal Yolu. The route has been transformed into a cultural route, enriched with monuments, museums, and informational signs. Under the name İstiklal Yolu Cultural Route, annual walks, symposiums, and commemorative events are held. This initiative ensures public ownership of this heritage and keeps historical awareness alive.

Along the route, numerous statue and monuments have been erected in memory of Şerife Bacı and other heroes. Additionally, comprehensive information about this period is presented in museums located at İnebolu Port and Kastamonu city.