Gallipoli

---

Today was the day we were going to Istanbul and we had only one stop on the agenda, which was to stop at the Gallipoli Peninsula. This location is very historic for Turkey, for during World War I they defended this land against the Allied invasion. Britain wanted this land so they could control the Dardanelles and then move into Istanbul (Constantinople) and force Turkey out of the war. Britain thought they could bring 50,000 soldiers and sea power and Turkey would roll over and be defeated easily. After almost a year of fighting, the Allied troops evacuated and realized this land was not going to be forced out of Turkey’s control. Over 40,000 soldiers died and 97,000 were wounded.

Visiting this place was emotional, and as I walked by each grave stone I couldn’t help but think of the evils of war. While walking around and looking out at this most beautiful beach, listening to the waves, and taking it all in, I couldn’t help but think back almost 100 years earlier to a time when the land and water was filled with bullets and bombs. There was no beauty to be seen then, just the red blood of man soaking the ground and water. Will we, as a human race, ever realize that we lose every time war breaks out? Innocence is lost. Life is lost. All for what?

---

Photos

Araturk's Message
to the mothers of the fallen.

57th Regiment Cemetery
This regiment was left to defend their position with no ammo. Ataturk asked them to fight with their bayonets and he asked them to die defending their land.

New Zealand's Memorial and Ataturk's Memorial
Ataturk was shot at this exact location. He was hit just above the heart, but a pocket watch saved his life.