A Battleground of profound significance

Dardanelles and Gallipoli witnessed a great Victory of the Turkish National History, against the Allies, during the World War I.

These places are also of enormous importance for Australians, New Zealanders, Indians, British and French. For ANZACS ( the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) and their descendants, Gallipoli has been a must do place, to visit in search of their national heroes. For most visitors it is a place for remembrance, and pilgrimage.

There on those graveyards, Turks, Australians, New Zealanders, Indians, British, French and the descendents of the fallen share, side by side full gamut of emotion from sorrow, silent tears to feeling of pride for their loved ones, who lost their lives on those battlefields.

No words can reflect the spirit of Gallipoli better than the speech of Mustafa Kemal ATATURK, the National Hero of the Gallipoli battles, Turkish Independance War and the founder of the Modern Republic of Turkey addressed to those who died on the soil of this country and to their mothers:

"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours... You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”

ATATURK / 1934

TURSAB, in its capacity makes every endevour in cooperation with the authorities concerned to contribute towards the perfect organisation for the commemoration of these events of profound significance witnessed in Dardanelles and Gallipoli.

24-25 April Commemoration

It was on 25 April 1915 that allied troops including 30.000 Australians and New Zealanders landed on the Gallipoli shores. This is the commemoration time when separate services and ceremonies for rememberance, with the presence of the Turkish representatives, guards of honour, and citizens together with the guests from abroad, are held at various locations.

Every year visitors in mass numbers come to Gallipoli for 25 April Commemoration from Australia, New Zealand and other countries. Average yearly rate of increase is around 10 %. Only in 25 April 2001, the number of visitors who participated in the event was over 15 thousand.

Gallipoli peninsula is a National Park, subject to strict conservation, it is also a military zone.

Due to increasing number of visits every year there is a need to set sustainable strategy for traffic and site management, facilities, modern conveniences and cathering, retaining dignity and the spirit of the places, and giving utmost care to conservation and fragility of the enviroment.

In 2001 TURSAB worked out the requirements in consultation with travel agencies operating to the area; then submitted its proposals to the authorities concerned and made every effort to contribute to the concerted efforts of the authorities responsible for planning and implementation.

18 March 1915 Commemoration

It was on 18 March 1915 that Allies gave a start to massive naval offensive in Dardanelles against Turkish fortifications and were defeated in the end of the day leaving heavy casualties behind. This great victory of the Turkish forces defending their homeland over the invadors marked a turning point in Dardanelles battles and has been a source of inspiration for the final victory.

TURSAB prepared a project for the Commemorations of 18 March 1915, Canakkale Battles and rememberance of those who lost their lives while defending their country against Allied Forces. The project aims at extensive participation of people in this major event from all over the country, including students from 81 provinces of Turkey.

Organisational work, carried out by TURSAB in cooperation with the authorities concerned, is on progress.