A Shared Legacy: Remembering Gallipoli on April 25th

Today, April 25th, a commemorative day (ANZAC Day) is celebrated in some places such as Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Niue, the United Kingdom, and Egypt. In Turkey, it marks the beginning of the Gallipoli Campaign (Çanakkale Savaşı).

What is specifically commemorated on April 25th?

ANZAC Day commemorates the anniversary of the first landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops in Gallipoli, Turkey, during World War I. This landing took place on April 25, 1915.

Although the Gallipoli campaign was ultimately a military failure with great losses for both sides, the courage, resilience, camaraderie, and sacrifice shown by the Australian and New Zealand soldiers left a profound mark on the national identity of both countries.

Today, ANZAC Day has expanded to remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. It is a solemn day of remembrance and honor for those who served their nations.

Who officially declared today as ANZAC Day?

In 1916, Australia’s interim Prime Minister, George Pearce, officially designated April 25 as ANZAC Day.

Since then, April 25 has been commemorated annually as ANZAC Day, becoming one of the most important dates on the national calendars of the aforementioned places.

Commemoration in Turkey on April 25

In Turkey, April 25 is primarily commemorated as the anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli Campaign (Çanakkale Savaşı), a crucial defensive victory for the Ottoman Empire during World War I. For the Turks, this battle is a defining moment in their national history, symbolizing resistance, sacrifice, and the defense of their homeland.

Commemorations in Turkey on April 25 include:

• Ceremonies on the Gallipoli Peninsula: Solemn ceremonies are held at battle sites, including the Ari Burnu Cemetery (ANZAC Cove), the Lone Pine Monument, and Chunuk Bair. These ceremonies are attended by Turkish dignitaries, as well as representatives and citizens from Australia and New Zealand.

• Recognition of the sacrifice of all soldiers: While the bravery of Ottoman soldiers who defended their land is remembered, there is also a spirit of respect towards the ANZAC soldiers who lost their lives in Gallipoli.

• Emphasis on peace and friendship: In recent years, commemorations in Turkey have also highlighted the importance of peace and friendship between nations that were once adversaries. The famous quote attributed to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1934 to the mothers of ANZAC soldiers:

  “Your sons now lie in our land, therefore rest in peace. They have become our sons as well.” is a powerful symbol of this sentiment.

Therefore, although the main significance and traditions of ANZAC Day are centered around the Australian and New Zealand experience, April 25 is also a significant day of commemoration in Turkey, where the Gallipoli Campaign is remembered, and the memory of all those who lost their lives in the campaign is honored. There is a mutual recognition of the importance of this day between Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand, reflected in their joint participation in the commemorative ceremonies in Gallipoli.

After this brief description of what is commemorated on this day, I will point out important places in Gallipoli (historical sites and memorials that hold great significance).

Sedd el Bahr Fortress

The Sedd el Bahr Fortress is a historic structure located on the southwest coast of Turkey, on the Gallipoli Peninsula, overlooking the Dardanelles Strait.

It is known for its strategic importance, especially during World War I, when it became a key point in the defense of the Ottoman Empire.

Sedd el Bahr was originally built in the 15th century, during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, who is famous for conquering Constantinople in 1453.

The fortress was part of a series of fortifications erected along the Dardanelles Strait to protect the maritime route to Istanbul and other important Ottoman Empire ports. However, it became especially famous during the Gallipoli Campaign (1915), in the context of World War I, when it was used to resist the siege by Allied forces. During the campaign, the Allied troops attempted to land in the area but faced fierce resistance from the Ottoman soldiers, who were well entrenched in the fortifications, including Sedd el Bahr.

The battle was brutal and bloody, and although the Ottoman forces did not have superior technology or numbers, their fortified positions and the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (the future leader of Turkey) contributed to a decisive victory.

Today, the Sedd el Bahr Fortress is a place of historical and tourist interest. Many of the original structures, such as walls and towers, remain standing, offering a unique view of the defensive tactics used at that time. Additionally, monuments have been erected in the area to commemorate the soldiers who fought and died in the Gallipoli Campaign, including the fallen soldiers from both the Ottoman and Allied forces.

The fortress, like other fortifications on the peninsula, symbolizes the bravery and resilience of the Ottoman army during the war and is a point of reflection for Turks on national defense and their struggle for independence, which would be consolidated years later under Atatürk’s leadership.

Therefore, Sedd el Bahr, as part of the Gallipoli Peninsula, is a site of great symbolic significance in Turkish historical memory, especially in relation to the formation of modern Turkey and the Ottoman resistance during World War I. The region remains a place of commemoration for the Turks, and the stories of the battle and the sacrifices made during that time continue to be an important part of the national narrative.

Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial (in Turkish, Çanakkale Şehitler Anıtı) is one of the most important and symbolic monuments in Turkey, dedicated to the thousands of soldiers who fought and died in the Gallipoli Campaign (also known as Çanakkale Savaşları, “Battles of Çanakkale”) during World War I. This memorial stands in a strategic location on the Gallipoli Peninsula, near the Dardanelles Strait, and commemorates the sacrifice of the Ottoman soldiers who defended the territory against the Allied forces, especially the British, French, Australian, and New Zealand forces.

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial is located on a hill near the town of Eceabat, at the southern tip of the Gallipoli Peninsula. It is situated in the area known as Kilitbahir, which was one of the main defensive lines during the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915. This monument was built not only to honor the fallen Ottoman soldiers but also as a symbol of national sacrifice and the rebirth of Turkey.

Although the Allied forces expected a quick victory, the battle resulted in a significant defeat for them and a decisive victory for the Ottomans, who defended their land with valor.

The Memorial was inaugurated in 1960 and has an impressive design, both in its size and symbolism. The monument stands on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the area where the most important battles took place.

• Main Monument: The main structure of the memorial is a large stone tower that stands 41 meters tall. The tower is made of several granite walls inscribed with the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who expressed deep respect for the soldiers’ sacrifices. One of the main walls features a famous quote from Atatürk: “Who would not feel proud to give their life for their homeland?”

• Statue of the Soldier: Near the tower, there is a sculpture of an Ottoman soldier in a heroic stance, representing all those who fought and died in the Gallipoli Campaign. The soldier is armed and stands dignified, symbolizing the resistance and sacrifice of the Ottoman forces.

• Inscription of the Fallen: On the walls of the memorial, the names of the fallen soldiers and key battle dates are inscribed. The famous quote from Atatürk to the mothers of the fallen soldiers is also included, where he tells them that their sons “rest in the same land as ours” and that Turkey will always be their home.

• Peace Path: The memorial also features a path called the “Peace Path,” where visitors can walk and reflect on the sacrifices of the soldiers. This path is surrounded by trees and is often used for commemorative ceremonies, particularly on March 18 (Çanakkale Martyrs’ Day).

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial is one of the most important places for Turkish national memory, as it symbolizes the pride and resilience of the Ottoman people who fought valiantly during World War I to defend their land. The Gallipoli Campaign was a defining event in Turkey’s history, which not only resulted in a military victory but also set in motion a series of events that contributed to the eventual fall of the Ottoman Empire and the creation of the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923.

On a personal and cultural level, the Memorial is a place where many Turks go to honor their fallen ancestors. Additionally, March 18, Çanakkale Martyrs’ Day, is an important date on the Turkish national calendar, which remembers both the heroic defense of Gallipoli and the sacrifice of the Ottoman soldiers.

The monument is also a symbol of peace. Despite the fierce fighting during the campaign, the monument has become a place of meeting and respect, where both the Ottoman and Allied forces are honored. Nearby the memorial, there are also monuments and cemeteries dedicated to the soldiers of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and France, underscoring the shared memory and reconciliation between the countries that participated in the campaign.

In summary, this Memorial is one of the main points of interest for tourists visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula. It is a place of great historical and emotional significance, and many people visit it during the annual commemorations, especially during Gallipoli Week or on Martyrs’ Day. Besides being a tourist site, the memorial offers a deep reflective experience on the cost of war and the importance of peace.

In summary, this is a national commemoration site that represents the sacrifice, resilience, and unity of the Turkish people at a crucial moment in their history.