Visiting Gallipoli Cemeteries

The Gallipoli Campaign was a military battle between British Allied forces and Turkish Ottoman forces during WWI. The British were trying to take Gallipoli, the area of the Dardanelles strait that would help them secure a safe route for ships to the Black sea. 

The campaign failed and Gallipoli now symbolizes significant historical moments for several countries. For the British, the limits to their imperial power. For the Turks, a path to independence and a modern Turkish state. For Australia and New Zealand, part of the British alliance, a stinging defeat over blind optimism yet a reality that they are their own countries, not just British subjects. The history is long and still much remembered.

The human cost was great. Some 300,000 casualties, almost 60,000 dead. Cemeteries dot the landscape and a pilgrimage there is similar to a visit to Normandy or Gettysburg. It's a sobering trip.

A British cemetery, with a view of the water.

Two views of Lone Pine, the most famous ANZAC (Australia, New Zealand Army Corps) cemetery.

One of the major Ottoman cemeteries, for the 57th infantry regiment.

Crescent on a Turkish grave. Major marble friezes with long quotes appear sporadically.

Cut down quickly. Graves at the beach, now known as ANZAC cove.