We stood on the spot where tens of thousands of Australians, New Zealanders, (ANZAC) and Turks were killed in the famous battle of 1915 fought on the peninsula between the Aegean Sea and the Dardanelles Strait known as "Gallipoli". The battle ground where so many lost their lives is holy ground for both Turks and ANZAC. Turks bring their children to Gallipoli to learn their history, to honor the courage of the the Turkish troops and to celebrate the leadership of the great military strategist and war hero, Kemel Attaturk. Australians and New Zealanders also are regular pilgrims here, and are warmly welcomed and hosted and honored by the Turks. It was very moving to stand on this beautiful peninsula held sacred by the former enemies who fought here.
Last week we visited the mausoleum and museum of Turkey's first president, Attaturk and read some of the same stories about this defining moment in Turkey's history. Attaturk's accomplishments were impressive and many; not only did he help to win the battle at Gallipoli, he moved Turkey from a collection of primarily Islamic tribes and nation states to create a united country from the ruins of the Ottoman empire. He westernized Turkish dress, adopted the Western alphabet and is given credit for the very sophisticated and modern country which is Turkey today.
Among these many accomplishments, however, we were particularly touched by one speech given in 1934 --22 years after the battle at Gallipoli. An excerpt from this speech was carved into a monument that stands near the shores of where one of the battles took place. It reads: "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives...you are now living 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 living in our bosom, and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."
It was just a speech, but it made a world of difference in the way that the countries who fought at Gallipoli feel about each other. Attaturk's speech was more than an olive branch; it was a heart-felt acknowledgement of how all of us suffer in war; and that it matters not the nationality of the dead soldiers; they were all some mother's sons. The power, grace and elegance of his words made healing possible
On April 25, 2015, ten thousand Australians and New Zealanders are expected to come to Turkey for the 100th anniversary of this battle and to pay their respects to their war dead. These three countries, once fierce enemies have become united in their respect for this holy ground and for the sacrifices made by the young men of their countries.
Location:Gallipoli, Turkey
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