Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey Commemorate 111th Anniversary of Gallipoli Battle

Officials and visitors from Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey gathered in northwest Turkey on April 25, 2026, to commemorate the 111th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli. m. local time near the beach where the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, known as Anzacs, landed at dawn on April 25, 1915.

The hour-long event featured hymns, prayers, and the laying of wreaths by participants, including representatives from various countries.

It aimed to secure a naval route from the Mediterranean Sea to Istanbul through the Dardanelles and to remove the Ottomans from the war. The eight-month conflict resulted in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides and ultimately failed.

“From great suffering, understanding can grow. From former enemies, friendships can blossom. The relationship between Turkey, Australia and New Zealand is built on remembrance, respect and recognition of our shared humanity." — Dame Cindy Kiro Turkish Col. Fatih Cansiz read a 1934 tribute by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of Turkey, to the fallen soldiers. The tribute stated: "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives ... you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. It also fostered friendship between these countries and Turkey, their former adversary. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk first gained prominence as commander of Turkish forces at Gallipoli, later leading Turkey's War of Independence and founding the Turkish Republic.”