Independence Medal and historical document discovered in Erzurum

A historical Independence Medal with a red ribbon and an accompanying document have been discovered in Erzurum, Turkey. The items are believed to belong to Asker Saçaklı, a soldier who reportedly served on both the Eastern and Western fronts during the Turkish War of Independence.

According to family accounts, Saçaklı served under Kazım Karabekir Pasha on the Eastern Front during the liberation of Erzurum and Kars, and later participated in the Battle of Sakarya and the Great Offensive on the Western Front. The discovered document bears the signature of Abdülhalik Renda, who served as the Minister of National Defense during that period.

Researchers note that while the items provide a tangible link to the era, further investigation is required. Comparing the document with official military archives will be necessary to confirm the exact dates, the specific services rendered, and the official context of the medal's issuance.