Gallipoli Peninsula can be found on the North-West coast of Turkey, with the Dardanelles on one side leading up to the Sea of Marmara and the Northern section of the Aegean Sea on the other. Easy road access to Istanbul with ferry links to Canakkale side of the waterway make it a popular place to visit. The stunning views as you head along the coast or take a ferry to add to the wonder of the peninsula. The beauty is punctuated with reminders of the history that was made here with unused defence buildings and memorials.
The Gallipoli Campaign or Battle of Canakkale (translated from Turkish) began on 17th February 1915 and came to an end on 9th January 1916. This campaign is considered the only major Ottoman victory of World War I. Despite this it is regarded moment in the nation's history, as a part of forming the Turkish War of Independence created the Republic of Turkey with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as the president. Ataturk was a commander at the Gallipoli Campaign and can be considered to be among the leading reasons for their victory. Along with the Turkish independence growing from this, it is also commonly thought that it was the beginning of the Australian and New Zealand National Pride.
Following his time as commander, Mustafa Ataturk became the first president of the modern Turkish Republic. In 1934 Ataturk gave a speech where he reached out, as someone who experienced the battle and leader of a nation, to the mothers of the Anzac troops. During his speech, he spoke of the soldiers of both sides being equal, and now resting on friendly soil. He also spoke directly to the mothers of the fallen, saying to wipe away their tears as they are lying in their bosom in peace as one of their own as well.