The Independence Road was a vital supply line extending from the Black Sea Region to the front during the Turkish War of Independence. Starting from the Port of İnebolu and extending through Kastamonu, Ilgaz, and to Ankara, this route played a vital role in transporting weapons, ammunition, and other logistics materials to the front during the war's most critical periods. This road was more than just a military supply line; it became a symbol of the Anatolian people's total struggle for independence, a symbol of patriotism and resistance.

^{Drone Footage of the Independence Road (Çankırı KTB)}

Historical Background

Following the signing of the Armistice of Mudros on October 30, 1918, the Ottoman Empire effectively ended, and Anatolia, particularly from the western and southern regions, fell under occupation. During this period, although Istanbul was under the control of the occupying forces, nationalist elements there secretly shipped weapons and ammunition to Anatolia. Secret organizations in Istanbul such as the Mim Mim Group and the Karakol Society secretly sent weapons to İnebolu, from where they were transported to Ankara via Kastamonu. The importance of the Port of İnebolu stemmed from its connection to Istanbul via one of the shortest routes. These transportation activities, carried out under the surveillance of the British navy in the Black Sea, involved great risk, but thanks to the mobilization and self-sacrifice of the people, this line became operational. The ammunition that set out from here embarked on a difficult journey by cart to reach the front.

Moreover, during this period, the local people, especially women and the elderly, played an active role in protecting this route and maintaining logistical operations. The Turkish Hearths, the Defence of Rights Associations, and civil organizations in the region provided both weapons and manpower support through this route. Therefore, the Independence Road is considered not only a logistics line but also one of the starting points of popular resistance in Anatolia.

Periods and Purposes of the Use of the Independence Road

The Independence Road was used as the main supply line from 1919 to 1922, supporting the Kuvâ-yi Milliye movement in Anatolia and the process leading up to the establishment of a regular army.

• Military Purpose: The weapons and ammunition needs of the regular army units on the Western Front were met via this route. The vital importance of this road increased even further, especially before the Sakarya and Great Offensive battles.
• Logistics Purpose: Wars are won not only with weapons but also with food, clothing, medicine, and shelter. In this respect, the Independence Road served as a broad logistics support line.
• Refuge and Transit Route: Many intellectuals, soldiers, and patriotic citizens who were forced to flee Istanbul used this route to reach Anatolia and join the National Struggle administration in Ankara.
• Social Mobilization: Along this route, the people of villages and towns carried ammunition, making night journeys in harsh winter conditions, contributing to the front. The sacrifices of women and children on this road represent the peak of social solidarity.

One of the most important features of the Independence Road is that it was a road where not only soldiers but also civilians actively took part in this war and showed great sacrifices.

Route and Structural Features of the Road

The Independence Road is approximately 340 km long. Starting from İnebolu, it passes through the Küre Mountains, Seydiler, Kastamonu, Ilgaz, Çankırı, and Kalecik before reaching Ankara. Some sections of the road, particularly the high-altitude areas such as the Ilgaz Mountains, were overcome by battling harsh winter conditions and transportation difficulties.

On this road:

• İnebolu Turkish Hearth was a center where weapon shipments were organized.
• Şerife Bacı Monument stands as a symbol of female heroism in Kastamonu.
• Ilgaz Mountains was one of the most difficult areas for logistical transport.
• Stations in Çankırı were one of the last stops before ammunition reached the front.

This route was not just a path; it was a cultural road that witnessed the revival of a nation.

^{A Statue About the Independence Road (AA - Özgür Alantor)}

Şerife Bacı: Hero and Symbol of the Independence Road

Şerife Bacı is the best-known symbol of the Independence Road and represents one of the most powerful examples of heroism in the War of Independence. Carrying ammunition from Kastamonu to the front, Şerife Bacı froze to death in December 1921 in the Ilgaz Mountains due to the difficult winter conditions and cold weather. While trying to move her cart carrying ammunition, with her child alongside, she struggled to survive in the snow and frozen ground, but despite her sacrifice, she could not survive. Şerife Bacı's heroic struggle symbolized the Turkish nation's sacrifice and resistance for independence and freedom. Her struggle is the strongest indication that not only one woman but the entire population contributed to the war with a spirit of total resistance.

Besides her, many other heroic women, elderly people, and children whose names are not recorded in history books, carried ammunition with great dedication along the Independence Road and became part of this great struggle. During arduous journeys lasting days by cart, these heroes did their best to fulfill their national duty without expecting a single reward. Most of them aimed only to contribute to their nation's struggle for independence without expecting awards or honors. The heroism of these people demonstrates how the people showed great resistance in unity and how they fought with great determination and belief to overcome difficulties.

The Role of the Independence Road in the National Struggle

The Independence Road was an indispensable line for the sustainability of the national struggle. A large part of the ammunition used in the Sakarya and Dumlupınar battles was transported to the front via this road. The failure to take control of this line was a great disadvantage for the enemy forces, and the Turkish army gained a strategic advantage. The Independence Road also functioned as a network that enabled the nation to act in unity. The spirit of struggle, spreading from village to village and town to town, became a common cause thanks to this road.

^{Independence Road (İYEKTVGD)}

The Independence Road Today

In 2008, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Kastamonu Governorship initiated efforts to protect the historical value of the Independence Road. The road has been turned into a cultural route, enriched with monuments, museums, and informative signs. Under the name Independence Road Cultural Route, hikes, symposia, and commemorative events are held annually. This ensures that the public embraces this heritage and keeps historical awareness alive.

At many points along the road, there are statues and monuments erected in memory of Şerife Bacı and other heroes. In addition, museums located in the İnebolu Port and Kastamonu city center provide comprehensive information about this period.