The story of the Gallipoli campaign focusing on the Turkish perspective. Includes interviews with Turkish migrants to Australia and their children about their thoughts on Gallipoli and Australia.
'Gallipoli occupies a special place in the national memory of Australia, New Zealand and Turkey. For the British, French, Indians and Germans, the Gallipoli campaign is remembered as just another name in a long, tragic list of World War I battles. For Turks, Australians and New Zealanders it is something apart; a significant event in the self-development of their individual nations. As such, the battles have not been allowed to fade in people's memories.'
Almost every Australian and New Zealander has heard the story of the Anzacs at Gallipoli, yet most wouldn't recognise the battle by its Turkish name, the Battle of Canakkale, or recognise the battle as an invasion of foreign land. In fact very few Australians and New Zealanders are familiar with the battle beyond the experiences of our own soldiers.
But what of the victors-the Ottoman armies who fought with great bravery and distinction at Gallipoli? This book portrays the view from the Turkish side of the trenches, and in doing so paints a richer portrait of the past and broadens our knowledge and understanding of this tragic event.
When Alec Campbell, the last surviving soldier from Gallipoli, passed away in 2002, his death was mourned by Australians and Turks alike. In the last decade or so Turks and Australians have seemingly buried their enmity and now see Gallipoli as a unique bond between two nations-a central element upon which their friendship is bound. This bond has encouraged a growth of respect and interest in each other's countries and cultures which is increasing rather than diminishing as time passes.
