Fact Sheets & Video - Turkey

The Dardanelles (Cannaekale Bogazi in Turkish) is a narrow strait that links the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara and then onto the Black Sea. The object of the Gallipoli campaign was to pass a force into the Sea of Marmara and threaten the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany. The peninsula which runs along the north-western side of the strait is known as the Gallipoli Peninsula, or Gelibolu in Turkish. Gallipoli holds a special place in the heart of Australians and New Zealanders.

It was on the peninsula where more than 8,700 Anzacs lost their lives during World War One. The courage and comradeship of the Diggers helped forge Australia's identity as a nation and the valour shown on these now serene landscape has not been forgotten. Thousands of Australia's visit Gallipoli each year to pay their respects to the fallen and embrace the spirit of an important part of our history.

The Kabatepe information centre and museum is a good starting point for touring, it is situated near the village of Kabatepe. This small museum has all sorts of exhibits which includes period uniforms, soldiers' letters, rusty weapons, battleground photos, and various other finds from the battlefields such as a skull of a Turkish soldier who has a ball lodged in his forehead and two bullets which collided mid-air.

Anzac Cove is the beach where the Australians landed on April 25 1915. The beach is now a memorial reserve out of respect for the battle here and is off limits to swimmers and picnickers. There is a Turkish monument here with the famous words of Ataturk, the Turkish General who went on to become the country's leader. Lone Pine Memorial is the main Australian memorial. This area saw the most bitter fighting of the campaign with 2000 Australian and 5000 Turkish casualties in one battle alone. In April 1915 a single pine was growing on the site and the Australian's called it 'Lonesome Pine' from the title of a popular song of the day 'The trail of the lonesome pine'.

Cannakale Sehitleri Memorial commemorates all the Turkish soldiers who fought and died at Gallipoli. It is a huge four-legged stone tablet almost 42m high and surrounded by landscaped gardens. It is situated above a war museum and is the location for the Anzac Day ceremony for the Turkish people.

The men who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula created a legend, adding the word 'Anzac' to the Australian and New Zealand vocabularies and creating the notion of the Anzac spirit. In 1916, the first anniversary of the landing was observed in Australia, New Zealand and England and by troops in Egypt. That year, 25 April was officially named 'Anzac Day' by the Acting Prime Minister, George Pearce.

Gallipoli is on the European side of Turkey although most visitors to Gallipoli stay in Cannakale, which is on the Asian side. To reach Gallipoli you will need to get a ferry across the Dardanelles. Cannakale is a safe town with everything that you need and the food is good! The area is no stranger to historic battles, being only a short distance from 'Troy'.

Further information:

Gulf Air fly to Istanbul from $1970 ex Sydney. Includes taxes. Subject to exchange rates.

Gulf Air: Ph. 1300 366 337.

Visit the World War 1 Anzac Memorial at Gallipoli on The Imaginative Traveller's, 15-day 'Jewels of Turkey' tour, which costs $1,535 plus a Local Payment of US$180 per person.

This price is based on twin share accommodation, and includes your arrival airport transfer, all accommodation (12 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night historic hotel, 1 night sleeper train), transport, tour leader and many meals. The itinerary visit's Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya home of the famous Whirling Dervish sect, Egirdir in the heart of Turkey's beautiful Lake District, Taurus Mountains and the spectacular fortress of Termessos, Ephesus and it's incredible Roman ruins, Troy and Anzac Cover at Gallipoli.

Think Adventure: Ph. 1300 135 088

www.imaginative-traveller.com.au.

Prices correct at 25/04/05.