What a sombre mood in the bus as we head away from Gallipoli Peninsula. Such a moving experience to be here, to see the site of the first landing at Anzac Cove, the War Memorials for ANZACS as well as Turkish soldiers, and to walk in the trenches.
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| Australian trenches, only 30m away were the Turk's trenches |
It was a little strange, hearing accounts of Gallipoli from a Turkish perspective, but I must add that he painted all soldiers as brave young men. Of course he added a few stories of Turkish soldiers that we'd never heard before. I had always read/heard that there was the utmost respect between Anzacs and Turkish soldiers, and his account confirmed that impression.
Inscribed on this memorial is a tribute to the Anzacs from president of Turkey in 1934. The bond, respect and friendship expressed is certainly felt here in Turkey. Apparently we have an Ataturk Memorial Garden in Canberra, and the same inscription appears on a memorial there.
“Heroes who 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 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.”
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| Anzac Cove |
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| Lone Pine |
Interestingly, we had the place almost to ourselves, until we came to the Turkish memorials. There were bus loads of people there, and several food and souvenir stalls. I guess you could expect that.
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| Turkish Memorial |
Earlier in the day we visited the ancient city of Troy which is the site of the Trojan Horse story. It's an interesting place, because it has many layers, indicating a number of distinct eras and civilisations, dating back to the earliest, 4500 years ago. Incredible. But the visit was definitely overshadowed by Gallipoli.
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