web-reyting.net [ ANZAK - GELIBOLU

Çanakkale savaşlarından sonra 1934'te ölülerini ziyarete gelen yabancı ailelere hitap etmek üzere Atatürk'ün kaleme aldığı . . .

"Bu memleketin toprakları üstünde kanlarını döken kahramanlar,burada bir dost vatanın toprağındasınız,huzur ve sükun içinde uyuyunuz. Sizler Mehmetçiklerle yanyana koyun koyunasınız. Uzak diyarlardan evlatlarını harbe gönderen analar,göz yaşlarınızı dindiriniz,evlatlarınız bizim bağımızdadır,huzur içindedirler ve huzur içinde rahat rahat uyuyacaklardır. Onlar bu topraklarda canlarını verdikten sonra artık bizim evlatlarımız olmuşlardır. "(Atatürk)

AN AUSTRALIAN flag flutters as visitors gather at the Lone Pine Australian memorial in the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey to mark Anzac Day on Tuesday.

Gallipoli hosted an international ceremony yesterday to mark the 91st anniversary of the Battle of Canakkale. In addition to top Turkish officials, representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and France were in attendance, including Governor General of Australia Michael Jeffery and New Zealand Parliament Speaker Margaret Wilson. Addressing the gathering, Turkish Lt. Col. Murat Isozen said that the battle was a watershed of world history, and the beginning of the War of Independence, a fight for the honor and freedom of the Turkish people. He added that soldiers from other nations fighting there had shown legendary courage. /Turkiye/ April 25, 2006

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Gallipoli: Out of the ashes of war come many lessons

YASEMIN DOBRA-MANÇO

GELİBOLU-ÇANAKKALE / ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

This week millions of people will be honoring those who have gone to battle in service of their country during World War I. The solemn memorials on the Gallipoli Peninsula (Gelibolu) and along the shores of the Dardanelles Strait (Çanakkale) are central to these commemorations. Turkish memorial services and Anzac Day services on the Gallipoli Peninsula will be conducted by Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Britain and France.

On April 24 memorial services began at 9:00 a.m. with the Turkish International Service at the Mehmetçik Turkish Soldiers Monument and continue with the French Memorial Service at Morto Bay, followed by the Commonwealth Memorial Service at Cape Helles. April 25 services begin with an Anzac Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site, followed by services at North Beach and Lone Pine, the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial Service and New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair.

The significance of the combat during this World War I invasion of Ottoman territory, known in Turkey as the “Çanakkale Savaşları” and in the United Kingdom as the “Dardanelles Campaign,” carries a different meaning for each of the fighting sides. Despite the unimaginable losses, for Turks it was a military triumph as well as a historic turning point that enabled them to define themselves as a nation with a distinct identity -- as do many proud Anzac descendents.

Valuable lessons for all:

The Turkish ambassador to Australia, Murat Ersavcı, has urged careful study of the tragic events of the 1915 for lasting benefit to all peoples. He stresses: “At these sites are powerful stories of courage, determination and sacrifice. Such places are a reminder that these qualities were not only to be found on the Allied side of the lines but were, and remain, a common inheritance of all peoples who have been involved in the tragedy of war.”

In a recent article in the Australian Sunday Mail, Ambassador Ersavcı explains how the campaign was a defining moment in Turkish history and signaled the emergence of a new nationhood. Anzac Day visitors will see that it is with great patriotism and pride that Turks commemorate the events of 1915, as they vow to defend their sovereignty and national interests.

Ambassador Ersavcı also notes “a rare bond between our countries” that was formed in the blood of that battlefield. As Turks, New Zealanders and Australians gather on each side of the world to recall their losses, “We will share the same thought: never again,” says the diplomat.

The need to build a new, better world:

War is often seen as tragic and heroic, but also futile, brutal and unnecessary. Commemorating the dead and all that our armies suffered helps prevent us from forgetting that truth, says Ambassador Ersavcı, explaining why, apart from being disturbed by the needless deaths of 750,000 young men from so many countries, “we feel such a strong spirit of ‘never again' when we think of Gallipoli. The Turkish Republic began out of those ashes, in that spirit. It meant a complete break with the past and all the suffering and disasters it had brought. I believe it succeeded, which is why not long after, Atatürk and his ministers were commemorating Gallipoli in a spirit similar to today.”

This is why Atatürk, in a famous quote, described all the fallen soldiers at Gallipoli who lie in Turkish soil as sons of our motherland, even though they were an invading force. “It has been many decades since Atatürk uttered those words. In some ways we have built a better world since then, but in others we obviously have not yet succeeded and needless conflict continues. So the lessons of Gallipoli remain valid, even though it is now receding into a fairly distant past,” he concludes.

The magnanimous words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk are a message to those whose loved ones had fallen in Gallipoli:

"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. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."

After many conflicts, hatred is often passed on within nations for generations. As Ambassador Ersavcı states, it was not so with Gallipoli and it has never been so for the Turkish and Australian peoples. These words were echoed during a visit to the war memorials last week, when İsmet Balkan of Abidos Travel explained how he replies to Anzac Day visitors who ask whether Turks have hatred towards them. Balkan says that they are surprised to hear his reply: “Though Turks made tremendous sacrifices on this cherished soil, we have no hatred but welcome you in peace.”

Arrival of thousands on Anzac Day:

As thousands of Australians and New Zealanders arrive in Turkey this week to honor the bravery and sacrifice of their forefathers (Anzac troops of World War I were also known as Diggers), they will also learn of the many stories of resistance on all sides.

Governor-General Michael Jeffery toured the Arı Burnu war cemetery at Anzac Cove while Turkish and Australian officials prepared large video screens to allow people to follow several ceremonies without having to travel across the peninsula.

Major Gen. Jeffery stated, "I think young Australians are recognizing that so much of our national ethos and identity are bound up in these beaches." This year the cove was turned into a temporary stadium and transformed with 5,000 seats in large stands. Upwards of 10,000 people have attended services in Gallipoli.

Although a record crowd marked the 90th anniversary last year, a smaller number is expected this year.

Officials will be restricting alcohol at the site due to criticism of the crowd's behavior over the past four years. Jeffery stressed that this year's ceremonies would be about reverence and commemoration.

According to press reports, visitors will only be allowed to carry day packs. Large packs and camping equipment will be banned in order to prevent backpackers from setting up camp. There will also be extra fences to keep visitors on marked paths and assembly areas, away from human remains and headstones.

The service at dawn in Gallipoli has become popular to attend on Anzac Day since 1990, the 75th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, when government officials from Australia and New Zealand, along with most of the last surviving Gallipoli veterans, traveled to Turkey for a special dawn service.

Amidst the recognition of heroic events and patriotic flag waving on these solemn days, there does not appear to be many calls to glorify war. However, some observers in Australia and New Zealand are concerned that the powerful emotions and symbolism of Anzac Day could be harnessed to support engagement in new conflicts. They claim that the revival in popularity for Anzac Day commemorations may cloud people's judgment about going to war and enthusiasm for Anzac Day could transform into a willingness to go to war. Anti-war groups have proposed that that Anzac Day eventually be transformed into a national "day of peace" as veterans passed on.

These observers fear that war may appear great and glorious and therefore not as “unthinkable,” while others maintain that the message of “never Again” is well remembered. In a recent press report Major-Gen. David McLachlan denied the strong feelings associated with Anzac Day would lapse into a new fervor for war, saying, "The people who are most anti-war are people who are veterans and have suffered as a consequence of war.”

Purpose of the allied invasion:

The purpose of the 1915 Allied invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula was to seize control of the Dardanelles Strait, the Bosporus Strait, and western Turkey, including Constantinople (now Istanbul). The Turkish Straits are of great strategic value, as they link the Mediterranean Sea with the Sea of Marmora and provide access to Russia.

The strategy for taking control was planned by Winston Churchill, at the time British first lord of the admiralty. On March 18, 18 battleships entered the straits. The fleet included Queen Elizabeth, Lord Nelson, Agamemmon, Inflexible, Ocean, Irresistible, Prince George and Majestic from Britain and the Gaulois, Bouvet and Suffren from France. But Allied naval operations alone failed to take the Dardanelles from Turkish forces. After many occupying forces met their tragic death on blood-soaked fields and as vessels were sunk, it was decided that the capture of the peninsula could not be possible without a full-scale Allied army invasion.

British, Australian, and New Zealand troops landed on April 25 at various points on the east coast of the Gallipoli Peninsula, while a French force landed on the Asian side of the straits.

While Ottoman armies were fighting with British, Anzacs and the French at Gallipoli, they were also fighting the British-Arab alliance in the south and Russians on the Eastern front, along with Armenian subjects of the Ottoman Empire who collaborated with the Russian invaders. Atatürk's successes in Gallipoli foreshadowed victories against invading armies in western and eastern Anatolia.

Meanwhile, Turkish forces along the Dardanelles, under the leadership of Atatürk and German Gen. Otto Liman von Sanders, had been reinforced. After the failed Dardanelles Campaign, Atatürk emerged not only as a leader who fought off foreign armies, but also as a leader who created an army that fought for independence from European control, eventually giving birth to the Republic of Turkey in 1923, with Atatürk as president.

A failed Allied campaign:

According to some estimates, by the end of the invasion and withdrawal of Allied forces by January 1916, the total number of soldiers killed and sick was between 500,000 and 700,000, with hundreds of thousands more wounded.

Turkish losses are estimated to be between 87,000-260,000 dead, with 200,000 wounded.

The failed campaign committed many untested Australian and New Zealand forces. By the end of the campaign, about 8,000 Australians were killed, and 3,000 New Zealanders. Tens of thousands were wounded and Anzac losses resulted in over one-third killed. Some estimates of the number of French losses are just as high. An unknown number of Germans were also killed in Gallipoli.

Allied troops came from many parts of the world, including: Britain (with regiments formed in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales); the British Empire (Australia, Newfoundland, Ceylon); New Zealand (including Maoris); India (Sikhs); Nepal (Gurkhas); France; the French Empire (Algeria, Morocco, Senegal); Palestine; and Russian and Syrian Jewish refugees (the Zion Mule Corps). The peninsula was finally evacuated in December 1915 and January 1916.

Final lessons of Gallipoli:

The Gallipoli Campaign also still offers many lessons of military warfare and strategy. It was one of the first ever major amphibious operations in modern warfare and used aircraft, an aircraft carrier, aerial reconnaissance, landing craft, radio communications, artificial harbors and submarines. Its lessons were far reaching, and were remembered long after the event in such campaigns as the Normandy landings in 1944 and the Falklands conflict of 1982.

The campaign also provides lessons of failed and successful leadership: failure brought down Britain's military and civilian leaders, while successes led to the emergence of a remarkable leader of a nation, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. For Turks of all regions, Gallipoli has become synonymous with courage and for a supreme sacrifice for freedom and sovereignty, which they paid for with their blood.

According to an April 23 article in the Sunday Times of Australia, Ambassador Ersavcı states that from a Turkish perspective the struggle saw the birth of our national consciousness, just as it did for Australia and New Zealand. “I think that is one of the reasons for the affinity between Turks and Australians and New Zealanders, which the Gallipoli story still arouses,” he says. The Turkish diplomat believes this has played a major role in Australia's understanding of itself, but also points out that as we reflect on the "Anzac Spirit," we must contemplate also the importance of Gallipoli to the people of Turkey.

A visit to Gallipoli makes clear to any visitor the horrors of war and of a conflict in which all sides suffer terrible losses. The lessons of Gallipoli cross many oceans and touch peoples of many nations in different ways. Yet, there are many stories and photographs that document universal examples of humanity, sometimes between enemy forces who had been in close combat and died just meters apart, or even arm in arm. They all deserve to be remembered.

Author's note:

The Dardanelles, where Asia and Europe meet along a narrow waterway, was the location where in the mid-14th century the Ottomans first crossed from Anatolia into the Balkans. Earlier, Alexander the Great also crossed the Turkish Straits. The region is also well-known for the nearby ancient city of Troy and the Trojan War.

Historic and cultural information on these and other topics concerning the Dardanelles can be sent to editor@dardanelles.org

OPET: A Valuable Example of Corporate Social Responsibility

Thursday, May 11, 2006

OPET's mission is to give back to society and invest in its future while also making individuals more aware of their valuable heritage, the history of the Turkish nation and the ideals of Turkey, which should be applied in civic education Community projects seek to create initiatives to boost the local economy by exploring ideas for the advancement of an entrepreneurial business culture

YASEMIN DOBRA-MANÇO

Çanakkale/Istanbul - Turkish Daily News

PART I

As one of Turkey's largest corporations in the oil and gas industry, OPET Petrolcülük A.Ş. seems to have taken on environmental and community projects in a new sense. Along with traditional means of support, OPET has devoted itself to the cultivation of strong communities by inspiring people to improve their lives and the places where they live.

Turkey is already home to approximately 100,000 associations and foundations, along with thousands of corporations. Many of these organizations support civil society initiatives, which usually serve one or more of the following purposes: environmental and historical preservation; promotion of tourism and economic development; creation of educational opportunities; or support for community projects.

But OPET has taken a path not often imagined. As a result of the company's interest in the needs of Turkish society, as well as its respect for Turkey's history and environment, the company has immersed itself in a series of campaigns as part of a far-reaching “Conscious Society Project” which began in 2000. These OPET initiatives are also accompanied by other corporate contributions to education, health, the arts and sciences and sports.

Raising awareness of societal goals:

The first campaigns and projects included the “Model Village Project,” the “Green Roads Project” and the “Hygiene Awareness” campaign. The most recently launched non-profit project is located on the Gallipoli Peninsula and has been called “Respect for History” (Tarihe Saygı Projesi). The project not only mobilizes volunteers for a common cause but also encourages community-building efforts that derive strength and inspiration from the unique cultural heritage and values of Turkey.

One of OPET's well-known national campaigns has been the “Green Roads Project” which involves landscaping and planting trees to create, improve and preserve a green environment. Such projects also help nurture the values that serve a wide range of societal goals. Thus far, about 200 landscaping projects have been undertaken all over Turkey.

As part of another “Conscious Society Project,” Yesemek became a Pilot Village in 2005. The Yesemek Open Air Museum, located 27 kilometers east of Islahiye in Gaziantep, is one of Turkey's important historical and touristic sites. With tourists in mind, a viewing terrace was constructed along with paths and other arrangements for easier visitor access and enjoyment. Schools in the village were also renovated and a cultural center that offers courses for the public on various subjects was opened. In addition, similar community development projects were undertaken in Mardin and Bolu.

One of OPET's best-known campaigns is the “Hygiene Awareness and Clean Restrooms” campaign, which initially targeted OPET station restrooms but grew into a national advocacy and hygiene awareness campaign. With the participation of educators, municipal employees and healthcare professionals, the project involved networks of hospitals and schools.

Together with the Ministry of Education, “Our Clean School Competition” was launched in Istanbul, where 35,000 teachers were trained by 2003. With the support of other organizations, such as Rotary and Lions, and associations for the handicapped, 300,000 people in 72 cities were educated on how to improve restroom standards. Brochures were also distributed to banks, companies and public facilities. The project also included a network of voluntary inspectors at schools, a poster campaign, an educational cartoon film and broadcasts on national and local networks. The campaign also took into account the various needs of tourists and travelers as well as the needs of mothers with babies and the handicapped.

OPET stations in different regions of the country participated, along with staff that received training. After inspections were conducted, 555 stations that complied with the standards set by OPET were awarded a “White Flag” of excellence, the symbol of the campaign. As a result of such a successful project, OPET was awarded an International Public Relations Award (IPRA) in the category of “Social Consciousness Projects” under the Golden World Awards. Each “Conscious Society Project” has been led by Nurten Öztürk, one of OPET's founders.

'Respect to history' honors Gallipoli:

As the source of OPET's business lies in the soil of this country, the corporation states that it is out of respect for this land and its people that it seeks to enrich and protect it. OPET's primary missions, therefore, are to give back to society and invest in its future, while also making individuals more aware of their valuable heritage, the history of the Turkish nation and the ideals of Turkey, which should be applied in civic education. Upon one of the newly installed panels in the redesigned main square of Alçıtepe, special attention is given to the unique role the people of this region have in serving as a global showcase for the need for peace. The informative panel also seeks to raise awareness of why understanding our past is important to better understanding our present and future.

Although the ongoing social responsibility and awareness project involves about a dozen villages on the peninsula, the successful completion of the “Alçıtepe Village Project” and other developments in Seddülbahir were enjoyed by thousands of foreign and Turkish visitors who recently visited Gallipoli. This includes many of the 10,000 visitors who attended the April 24-25 services conducted by Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Britain and France to honor those who went to battle for their country during World War I. There are about 2.5 to 3 million Turkish and foreign visitors to the Çanakkale region each year (approximately 15,000-20,000 visitors per day, with figures increasing in the summer months).

The $1 million social awareness project in Alçıtepe village is just part of the “Conscious Society Project.” The three-year Gallipoli project has a budget of about $5 million.

As a corporate funder of community development in this strategic region along the Dardanelles Strait, or Çanakkale, OPET sets an excellent example of corporate social responsibility. As a result of the company's involvement and leadership, the people of the region not only take pride in their accomplishments but are also better able to share their achievements and cultural heritage with visitors. OPET has thus helped to unite communities and build bridges between Turks and visitors from around the world who are welcomed to what was once a bloody battleground where Turks fought for their sovereignty. Öztürk hopes that many young leaders will emerge from these villages to cultivate even greater community cooperation, which is worthy of the leadership and spirit that emerged here during the war years, leading to the founding of Turkey by Atatürk.

The sense of accomplishment resulting in the completion of the Alçıtepe project was evident at the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the village. The ceremony not only marked the completion of the project but also provided an opportunity for the entire village to gather and share pride in their participation. Governor Orhan Kırlı, village officials and Muhtar Mümin Devrilmez (who is the officially elected representative of the village) were present at the ceremony and unveiling of Atatürk's statue. The governor thanked OPET for all their work and praised the overall objective of the company's social responsibility projects.

Student performances delighted the audience during the day and at an evening presentation of poetry reading by Nurten Öztürk, followed by a performance by drama students from Çanakkale 18 Mart University and a film highlighting project developments.

By the creation of “village committees” led by volunteers and elected village representatives, OPET funders were able get a better understanding of the needs of different communities. Each village committee includes five women and five men. The projects also seek to create initiatives to boost the local economy by exploring ideas for the advancement of an entrepreneurial business culture. Project designers constructed new stands for merchants for the sale of handicrafts, local goods and other products. With the cooperation of local education officials, the creation of a handicraft training center, which can offer opportunities for the elderly and disadvantaged children, was begun. (Perhaps in the near future, souvenirs and locally produced items will be found in museum gift shops around the world.)

The social consciousness and responsibility project in Alçıtepe also focused on improving community life, which evolves around the center of town. A new play area for children was created, and books and a computer were donated to the community center, along with hardware, placemats and utensils for nearby teahouses and restaurants. In addition, the social responsibility project involved renovating bed-and-breakfasts, providing lessons in English, improving public facilities such as restrooms, and installing benches and trash cans as well as new panels that contain information about the history of the region. One of the most important and oldest museums of the region, the Özel Salim Mutlu Müzesi, was also renovated.

The newly planted trees and landscaping were evident throughout the newly illuminated village square. Free paint was distributed to volunteers who wished to paint their homes, many of whom entered a “best village house” competition. Older abandoned buildings were covered with five-story posters of Atatürk and other well-known historic scenes from the region. Furniture and clothing were given to those in need. Goodwill ambassadors were appointed to help monitor developments, and students of hotel management and tourism were invited to offer advice.

The project also enabled educators to be involved in community building. Professor Ülkü Altınoluk, the assistant rector of Çanakkale 18 Mart University, attended the opening ceremony while providing insight for future plans. Such examples of partnership with institutions of higher education are vital to enshrining community awareness in students. Other educators also helped to organize student participation from nearby schools for environmental clean-up days.

OPET was founded by Nurten and Fikret Öztürk in 1992. By the end of 2002, 50 percent of OPET was acquired by the Koç Holding Energy Group. The company is the fourth largest petrol company as well as the largest fuel supplier in the energy sector, with the widest storage channels in the fuel oil distribution sector, including more than 1,200 stations.

Both Öztürks are former educators and know that education is the key. The highly valued OPET campaigns led by Nurten Öztürk are a success due to her dedication, which generates tremendous individual interest from civil society members, and enthusiasm from the public. She is known for the dynamic relationship she creates with the communities she visits.

While traveling over 1 million kilometers nationally for the campaigns, Öztürk has received many awards. Under her supervision, the “Conscious Society Project” has already proven to be a bright light that shines on other projects and shows how inspiring achievements can be made by the efforts of each community. OPET and Öztürk demonstrate that once a corporation earns the respect of a community, communities also have a lot to offer corporations -- appreciation for creating opportunities that make citizens more passionate about their civic responsibilities.

Part II of this article will discuss ongoing projects on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

editor@dardanelles.org

OPET and ordinary citizens plant seeds of community and civic responsibility

Friday, May 12, 2006

YASEMIN DOBRA-MANÇO

ÇANAKKALE/ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

PART II

One of the most rewarding aspects of corporate philanthropy and responsibility is the planting of the seeds of civic duty.

The sense of social awareness and community development was especially heightened amongst the young on the Gallipoli Peninsula as a result of OPET's "Respect for History" project.

Although the region is known for its natural beauty and ancient ruins such as Troy, it is also a place which inspires awe and respect for its role in Turkey's history -- for it is from here that Turkey's national spirit and identity arose as Atatürk emerged as an outstanding leader.

The "Respect for History" project begun by Opet brought to attention how shared concerns and values not only bring people together but also enable them to build a vision for long-term goals. Just as the history of Gallipoli still plays a role in the creation of modern-day Turkey, so do all its ordinary citizens. The project thus was also about creating awareness about enriching the lives of the people of the region who continue to enrich the soil where many of their ancestors lived, fought and died for the ideals that have been upheld since the birth of the Turkish Republic.

As described in Part I of this article, OPET projects are being planned for various other villages on the peninsula. Work has already begun at the entrance of Eceabat and Kilitbahir ports. Because of the historic importance of the village of Bigali, the small town that served as Atatürk's headquarters for several months, proposals are being made for restoration of the museum and for community development projects.

With its many "Conscious Society Projects," OPET has demonstrated that once a company shows commitment it can have a realistic mission that can be implemented despite commonly encountered obstacles that are faced by community organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or corporate sponsors.

In many countries around the world, community development projects face bureaucracy and red tape, especially when the need arises to preserve historic landmarks. In the case of Gallipoli, villages are situated in a historic national park.

The peninsula was made a national park in 1973 with the aim of honoring the soldiers killed in battle and protecting battlefield sites that have great significance in World War I military history.

The OPET project also shows how a corporation can help communities enhance their relations with government agencies, in this case by working together with the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry as well as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

As in other countries, sponsors and volunteers in Turkey are confronted with additional challenges they must overcome, often due to a lack of human, financial and technical resources, a lack of organizational skills, legal and fiscal restrictions, and a lack of public awareness of the value of these organizations and their missions that lead to civic engagement. In the case of Turkey, there is also a lack of think tanks for research, analysis and the strategic planning of domestic and foreign policies.

The OPET project also highlights the role of the corporate communication manager, which was undertaken by Tülin Dinçelli Pir, and demonstrates the importance of effective internal communications, corporate communications strategy, media advocacy and public relations. Other OPET staff in highly visible roles helped in the coordination of employees from the corporation with on-site project managers, architects, designers, local volunteers and dozens of others who were recruited for project implementation.

Informative CDs and press kits were prepared by PRO Communications. The PR firm, working closely with OPET's corporate communication manager, organized an informative press conference prior to the arrival of the governor.

Journalists were given a two-day tour of the surrounding villages where OPET projects have been planned and were hosted at the five-star Colin Hotel in Çanakkale. A professional guide, İsmet Balkan of Abidos Travel, accompanied the press as they visited historic areas and sites that included Alçıtepe, Seddülbahir, Kilitbahir, Behramli, Bigali, Büyük Anafartalar, Ertuğrul, 57. Alay Sehitligi, Conkbayir, Yahya Çavus Anıtı, Memetçiğe Saygi Anıtı, Çanakkale Sehitler Abidesi, Anzac Cove and Morto Koyu.

Members of the press also had the opportunity to interact with project managers as well as with villagers to see how the local community expressed interest and concern in the development of the projects. OPET is planning other press conferences to share their achievements with the public.

The OPET board, which clearly has done a good job overseeing the projects, has shown it is capable of formulating a feasible corporate project funding policy, which like all such projects entails strategic planning, funding agreements, effective resource management, risks, monitoring and review of performance, reporting and accounting, and capitalizing on communications and technology.

Like many processes, corporate socially responsible programs have a lifecycle and what might be called a post-project transition period. As Nurten Öztürk stresses, "We are seeking to teach people how to fish, not to just provide them with fish," so that they can themselves better understand how best to use new resources and the goodwill they have cultivated for future cooperation. Such corporate "leading by example" will no doubt serve to motivate and encourage new civil society initiatives and ideas.

The "Respect for History" project has already succeeded as a vehicle to engage the people of this region in the life of their communities and to do together what they cannot do separately. By being involved in projects that also reflect their values, the community is also working on long-lasting community building achievements. Volunteers and other supporters will no doubt be examples that encourage other communities to seek ways to promote their well-being, learn from the experiences of others, and develop vision to plan and implement strategies. The positive changes in their lives and improved environment can also serve to stimulate publicly funded projects.

It is true that corporations benefit from the public relations and media coverage that such projects generate. But lasting impacts are always made that foster a community spirit, which in turn is almost certain to make future contributions to society. It is clear, that over the years, OPET has won many hearts and minds.

2015 Will Honor Foundations of the Turkish State Laid at Gallipoli

YASEMIN DOBRA-MANÇO

Çanakkale/Istanbul - Turkish Daily News - May 12, 2006

The year 2015 will be one of the most important years in the history of the Turkish Republic. Throughout 2015 Turks will be celebrating the beginning of the creation of the Turkish nation and national spirit. The 2015 centenary will also mark the rise of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose leadership laid the foundations of the Turkish state.

One of the most symbolic houses in Turkey can be found along a narrow street in Gallipoli, which is linked to the heart of a small village's main square. It was here in this inland village of Bigali that Atatürk established his headquarters in a small house just before the war began. It was also here that Mustafa Kemal, as the commanding officer of the Ottoman Army's 19th Division, received news that British-led forces, including the brave but inexperienced Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), were landing on the peninsula.

Thus, as Atatürk set out from a seemingly ordinary town on the hills of Bigali towards the coast to battle British-led forces, he also began his march to his destiny.

It is from the second floor of this two-story house that the leader of a nation was in the making and preparing his offensive plans. The headquarters and house where Atatürk stayed became a museum in 1973 after the establishment of the "Çamyayla Atatürk Museum Founding Committee" which enabled the purchase of the house from its owner. The museum has displayed military and civilian garments and photographs as well as items personally used by Atatürk. One of the original items in the house is a desk used by Atatürk, undoubtedly for planning war strategies and viewing maps.

One enters the house after passing through a small courtyard from where the main door opens. On the ground floor there are one large and two small rooms. A wooden stairway leads to a living room on the first floor to which three rooms are connected. The room in the middle is the largest and was the study of Atatürk. The room to the right was his bedroom. The other room was used by his aide. Each of the rooms has wooden ceilings and floors. Atatürk's desk is in the study room.

An informed visit to the peninsula and a study of its geography offer greater appreciation of the unexpected hardships faced by combatants. The predictions of enemy landings by the German Gen. Otto Liman von Sanders, who was commander of the 5th Army for the defense of the Dardanelles, proved wrong. The invading forces landed their troops at Seddülbahir (Cape Helles) and Ariburnu (Anzac Cove) on April 25, 1915, after the French made diversionary landings to mislead Turkish troops. As a result of von Sanders miscalculations, the positioning of Turkish troops was not advantageous to winning the battle. Confusion also arose amidst the British-led forces when ANZAC troops failed to land on the intended beaches.

Atatürk, however, devised his own strategy and took his own initiative without authorization from von Sanders, as he assessed the significance of the landings. After ordering his division forward over the rugged countryside between Bigali and the coast, Turkish forces succeeded in stopping the enemy at Conkbayir. In addition to Seddülbahir, the peak and surrounding hilly areas of Conkbayir are known as one of the bloodiest grounds of the Gallipoli war, where Turkish forces prepared to die for the land that Western powers were carving up.

Mustafa Kemal's famous order to his soldiers, "I am not giving you an order to attack, but I am ordering you to die!" is said to have played a decisive role in the battle.

Atatürk not only led Turks in winning the battle of Gallipoli but also ignited an enduring sense of national identity. Looking back at the emergence of modern Turkey, Atatürk's house in Bigali is a remarkable reminder of how Turks found the strength and vision to mobilize forces to unite. It was here that the foundations of the Turkish nation were first laid and the enduring unity of a nation sprang forth. The upcoming centenary should be an opportunity for Turks and peoples of other nations to better understand the significance of Gallipoli for Turks.

As the centenary celebrations of 2015 near, there will be a heightened sense of the value and ideals upon which Turkey was founded, especially as the present generation assumes responsibility and strives to follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest statesman of history, who led the Turkish nation to achieve great things.

The sacrifices of other soldiers will also be honored as Turks together with the peoples of many countries and remember those who came from great distances to fight at Gallipoli.

While the Armenian diaspora and supporters of an alleged 1915 Armenian genocide fail to objectively present all the events of 1915, the approaching centennial can serve to provide more balanced accounts of all the facts of World War I. If nations do not take these opportunities to educate their children with a fair and accurate understanding of history, they risk having young minds dangerously misled by the conflicts and hostilities of the past.

editor@dardanelles.org

Çanakkale Kara Savaşları'nın 91'inci Yılı Anma Törenleri'nin ikinci günü de renkli anlara sahne oldu. Binlerce kilometre uzaktan, Avustralya ve Yeni Zelanda'dan gelen yaklaşık 4 bin Anzak torunu dedelerini yad etmek için Anzak Koyu'nda toplandı. Hava soğuktu, sahilden esen sert rüzgar yüz yakıyordu...

Binlerce Avustralyalı ve Yeni Zelandalı geceyi geçirmek için uyku tulumlarının içine girip yamaçlara uzanmış, şafak vaktini bekliyordu. Bu ortam "girişimci" Türkler için kaçırılmaz bir fırsattı. Mehmetçikler'in torunları, Anzak torunlarına 5 YTL'ye Avustralya bayrağı, 10 YTL'ye Gelibolu tişörtleri satmak için tezgah açmışlardı. Mangallardan köfte ve sucuk kokuları yayılıyordu. Çay ve kahveler, bardağı 1 YTL'den gidiyordu. Geçmiş yıllardan tecrübeli Çanakkaleliler ise 20 YTL'ye battaniye sattı...

"Türkler ders alsın"
Şafak ayinini izleyenler arasında Boğaziçi Üniversiteli Sedef Özmen ve İstanbul Üniversiteli Begüm Özge de vardı. Sedef Avustralyalılar'ın dedelerine sahip çıkışlarını gıptayla izlediğini söyledi. Begüm de aynı fikirdeydi: "Anzaklar Çanakkale'de yenildiklerini kabul ediyorlar. Ama buna rağmen nasıl da değerlerini savunuyorlar! Biz ne Sakarya'yı ne de diğer zaferlerimizi hak ettiği gibi anabiliyoruz. Çıkaracağımız çok ders var."

Saat 05.30... Nihayet Şafak Ayini başladı. Dile kolay 91 yıl önce dedeleri buraya savaşmak için çıkmışlardı. Şimdi ise torunları aynı yerde, sükunet içinde o günleri anıyordu. 4 bin kişi ayaktaydı. Türkiye, Avustralya ve Yeni Zelanda milli marşları okundu. Konuşmalarda ortak mesaj, bir savaşın ülkeleri nasıl dost yaptığıydı.

Dedeciğim ben geldim
Anzak torunlarının şafak ayinine başladığı saatlerde, Eceabat'a bağlı Kocadere Köyü'nde dev kampta da hareket vardı. 78 üniversiteden 5 bin öğrenci ve 81 ilden 3 bin izci "Ata'nın yolunda, 57'nci Alay Yürüyüşü"nü başlattı. Öğrenciler Atatürk'ün, 25 Nisan 1915 günü, 57'nci Alay ile birlikte yürüyerek ulaştığı Conkbayırı bölgesine, "Dedeciğim ben geldim" yazılı tişörtleriyle çıktı.

57. Alay için büyük yürüyüş
Çanakkale Savaşları'nda hepsi şehit olan 658 kişilik 57. Alay için de bu yıl ilk kez yürüyüş düzenlendi. Türkiye İzci Federasyonu ve 2. Kolordu tarafından düzenlenen '57. Alay Yürüyüşü'ne 5 bin üniversite öğrencisi ve 2 bin 827 izci katıldı. 57. Alay şehitliğinde yapılan törende askerlerin mezarlarının başına tek tek Türk bayrağı dikildi.

Çanakkale Kara Savaşları'nın 91'inci yıldönümü nedeniyle Gelibolu yarımadasındaki Şehitler Abidesi'nde uluslararası bir tören düzenlendi.

Çanakkale Şehitler Anıtı'ndaki törende Türkiye, Yeni Zelenda, Avustralya, İngiltere, Fransa, Kanada, Almanya, Hindistan, Güney Afrika, İrlanda ve Pakistan adına çelenkler konulduktan sonra saygı duruşunda bulunuldu.

Bu sırada, bir manga tarafından üç el saygı atışı yapıldı.

Ülkelerin milli marşlarının çalındığı ve bayraklarının göndere çekildiği törende, Topçu Yarbay Murat İşözen TSK adına bir konuşma yaptı.

İşözen, ''Çanakkale Savaşı, dünya tarihinde bir dönüm noktasının yaşandığı, güç dengelerinin değiştiği, olayların akışı üzerinde Türk ulusunun belirleyici rol oynadığı, onur ve özgürlük mücadelemiz olan Kurtuluş Savaşı'mızın ilk meşalesinin tutuşturulduğu emsalsiz başarıdır" dedi.

Uluslararası törende konuşan Avustralya Genel Valisi Michael Jeffery de, Gelibolu'nun yıllar önce çatışma, acı ve ölüm dolu günlere sahne olduğunu, ancak burada çatışan insanların aralarında özel bir bağ oluştuğunu belirtti.

Jeffery, 1915 yılında Türkiye'nin her yerinden binlerce genç insanın ülkesini savunmak üzere Gelibolu Yarımadası'na geldiğini hatırlatarak, kıyıya akın eden askerlerin görünmesiyle birlikte 'Türk askerinin sabah sisi içinde yok olacağının düşünüldüğünü' söyledi.

''Bu sadece bir hayaldi. Türk askeri sıra dışı bağlılık göstererek, vatanı için ölümüne savaştı'' diyen Jeffery, sonuç olarak çok fazla insanın hayatını kaybettiğini ve kendilerinin yenildiğini vurguladı.

"Türkiye hakettiği yere geldi"

Jeffery, ''bu korkunç savaş bitti. O zaman birbirimize karşı savaşmamıza neden olan gerekçeler büyük ölçüde tarih kitaplarında kaldı. Bugün eski düşmanlar bu güzel ülkeye inanılmaz tarihinizi öğrenmeye, antik kalıntılarınızı, Türk misafirperverliğini ve modern Türkiye Cumhuriyeti'nin dünyada hak ettiği yere nasıl geldiğini yerinde görmeye geliyorlar'' diye konuştu.

Yeni Zelanda Temsilciler Meclisi Başkanı Margaret Wilson da, Gelibolu'da yaşananların büyük acılara neden olduğunu, buna karşın Yeni Zelanda halkında yeni bir ulusal kimlik duygusu uyanmasına neden olduğunu söyledi.

Konuşmaların ardından onur kıtası, mehteran bölüğü, dost ülkeler askeri birliği, Türkiye Muharip Gaziler Derneği ve izci grubunun geçiş yaptığı törende, Şehitler Abidesi'ndeki defter imzalandı.

Tören, mehteran bölüğü ve Türk Hava Kuvvetleri'ne bağlı 'Türk Yıldızları' ekibinin gösterileriyle renklendi. Çanakkale Kara Savaşları'nın 91'inci yıldönümü nedeniyle Gelibolu yarımadasındaki Fransız ve İngiliz anıtlarında da törenler düzenlendi.

Her iki ülkenin milli marşları ile İncil'den bölümlerin okunduğu ve duaların edildiği törende, Türkiye adına Çevre ve Orman Bakanı Osman Pepe ile Avustralya, Yeni Zelanda, Kanada, Fransa, Almanya, İrlanda, Bangladeş, İngiltere, Güney Afrika ve Hindistan'ın temsilcileri anıtlara çelenk sundu.

Osman Pepe, Fransız anıtından ayrılışında gazetecilerin Anzak Koyu'nda devam eden yol çalışmalarıyla ilgili bir sorun olup olmadığı yönündeki sorusu üzerine, herhangi bir problem olmadığını söyledi.

Bakan Pepe, ''burada biz kendi düzenlemelerimizi, önümüzdeki planlarımıza, programlarımıza göre yapıyoruz. Elbette Fransa, Yeni Zelanda, Avustralya, onların da buradaki hatıralarını dikkate alıyoruz. Biz nasıl kendi mezarlarımıza saygı duyuyorsak, başkalarının mezarlarına saygı duymak da bizim geleneklerimizin, tarihimizin, inancımızın bize yüklemiş olduğu misyondur. Bu görevi yapıyoruz. Aramızda herhangi bir problem yoktur'' dedi.

Şafak Töreni yarın

Bu arada, yarın Anzak Koyu'nda 'Şafak Töreni' icra edilecek. Törene katılanlar, Avustralya 'Lonepine' Anıtı ile Yeni Zelenda Conkbayırı Anıtı'nı ve 57'inci Alay Şehitliği'ni ziyaret edecek.

Özel Dosya: Çanakkale Savaşı www.cnnturk.com

Çanakkale Kara Savaşları'nın 91'inci yıldönümü törenlerinin ikinci gününde Anzak Koyu'nda Şafak Töreni düzenlendi.

Gelibolu Yarımadası'na dün gece geç saatlerden itibaren geçmeye başlayan yaklaşık 10 bin Avustralyalı ve Yeni Zelandalı konuk geceyi, uyku tulumu ve battaniyelerle uyumadan geçirdi.

Konukların sabahın ilk saatlerinde Anzak Koyu'nda hazırlanan alanda yerlerini almasıyla Şafak Töreni başladı.

Törende konuşan Avustralya Genel Valisi Michael Jeffery, 91 yıl önce Avustralyalı ve Yeni Zelandalı askerlerin şafak sökerken bu koydan çıkarma yapmaya başladığını, Türk askerinin ise vatanlarını cesur şekilde savunma mücadelesi verdiğini hatırlattı.

Jeffery, çıkarmanın ilk saatlerinde ağır kayıplar veren askerlerinin Mustafa Kemal yönetimindeki 57'nci Alay ile karşılaştıklarını ve çıkarmanın ilk gününde 2 bin asker kaybettiklerini belirtti.

Jeffery, ''bu savaştan geriye fedakarlık ve karşılıklı saygıya dayalı ortak bir tarih kaldı'' dedi.

Yeni Zelanda Temsilciler Meclisi Başkanı Margaret Wilson da, ülkesinin çalışabilir durumdaki erkek insan gücünün yüzde 20'sinin Çanakkale Savaşı'nda hayatını kaybettiğini ifade etti ve "tıpkı Türk toplumunda olduğu gibi bizde de bazı aileler tamamen yok oldu'' diye konuştu.

Avustralya Deniz Kuvvetleri Komutanı Koramiral Russ Shalders ise, ''kayıplarımız var, ama bu savaş bize cesarete saygıyı öğretti'' dedi.

Üsteğmen Ercan Aslan da Mustafa Kemal Atatürk'ün savaşta hayatlarını kaybeden yabancı askerlerin annelerine yönelik mesajını okudu:

"Bu memleketin toprakları üstünde kanlarını döken kahramanlar, burada bir dost vatanının toprağındasınız, huzur ve suskunluk içinde uyuyunuz. Sizler Mehmetçiklerle yanyana, koyun koyunasınız. Uzak diyarlardan evlatlarını harbe gönderen analar, gözyaşlarınızı dindiriniz, evlatlarınız bizim bağrımızdadır, huzur içindedirler, huzur içinde uyuyacaklardır. Onlar bu toprakta canlarını verdikten sonra artık bizim evlatlarımız olmuşlardır."

Mesajın İngilizce'ye çevrilmesinin ardından Anzak Koyu'nda toplanan kalabalık ''evlatlarınız artık bizim de evlatlarımız olmuşlardır'' cümlesini alkışlarla karşıladı.

Türkiye, Avustralya ve Yeni Zelanda milli marşlarının çalındığı törene katılan ülkelerin üst düzey yetkilileri koya çelenk bıraktı.

İstiklal Marşı'nı bir Avustralyalı okudu

Törende, İstiklal Marşı'nı bir Avustralyalının, Yeni Zelanda Milli Marşı'nı da bir Türk'ün seslendirmesi kalabalıktan alkış aldı.

Şafak Töreni, iki dakikalık saygı duruşu ve duaların okunmasının ardından sona erdi.

Anzak Koyu'ndaki törene katılımın bu yıl geçtiğimiz yıllara göre daha az olduğu gözlendi.

Özel Dosya: Çanakkale Savaşı

Anzak şafağı

ÇANAKKALE, DHA 25 Nisan 2006 www.hurriyet.com

Çanakkale Savaşları’nda yaşamlarını yitiren Avustralyalı ve Yeni Zelandalı askerler için savaşların 91’inci yıldönümünde düzenlenen ’Şafak Ayini’ne 10 bin Anzak torunu katıldı.

Sabaha karşı saat 05.30’da başlayan törenler, Anzak birliklerinin 25 Nisan 1915’de çıkarma yaptıkları Anzak Koyu’nda gerçekleştirildi. Anzak torunları tören alanında içki içmedi. Törenlerde bu yıl ’Ata’nın yolunda, 57’nci Alay Yürüyüşü’ de düzenlendi. 78 üniversiteden 5 bin öğrenci ve 81 ilden 3 bin izci, Ata’nın izinde yürüdü. 8 bin genç, 57’nci Alay’da düzenlenen programa da katıldı.

Anzak çıkarması ve Ali’nin destanı

İdris Adil 24.04.2006 www.digimedya.com/default.asp?t=wa&wid=44&aid=1351

ANZAK ÇIKARMASI VE ALİ'NİN DESTANI

Çanakkale’de İngiliz ordusunda savasan Anzak askerlerinin torunları, atalarını anmak için her yıl binlerce kilometre uzaktan geliyorlar.
Çanakkale’de Anzak Koyu olarak adlandırılan bölgede görkemli törenler düzenliyorlar. 25 Nisan törenleri için Anzaklar yine ülkemize geldi... Yine törenler...
Gazetelerde yine çarsaf çarsaf Anzak törenleri ile ilgili haberler... Farkında mısınız, Çanakkale’de savası kazanan biziz, haklı olan biziz, daha çok sehit veren biziz, ama
haber olan Anzak törenleri...
Medya, mazrufa değil, zarfa bakmayı alıskanlık edindi. Medya, renkli, satafatlı törenlere bayılır. Oysa; dünyanın en büyük emperyalist eylemidir Çanakkale çıkarması. Dünyanın en büyük direnisidir Çanakkale savası... Bu gerçekler görmezden gelinip, süslü törenleri haberlestirmek adetten olmaya basladı. Böyle giderse değerlerimiz de dedelerimizi de unutacağız... Gelin, medyanın unutturma çabasına karsı çıkalım... Dedelerimizin bu ülke için canlarını nasıl feda ettiklerini anımsayalım.

Asağıda okuyacağınız olay, gerçekten yasanmıþ bir olaydır. Ali’nin destanıdır. Aynı cephede dövüsen köylüsünün, yıllar önce anlattıklarından yola çıkılarak yazılmıstır:

Çanakkale’de İngiliz ordusunda savaşan Anzak askerlerinin torunları, atalarını anmak için her yıl binlerce kilometre uzaktan geliyorlar.

Çanakkale’de Anzak Koyu olarak adlandırılan bölgede görkemli törenler düzenliyorlar. 25 Nisan törenleri için Anzaklar yine ülkemize geldi. Yine törenler... Gazetelerde yine çarşaf çarşaf Anzak törenleri ile ilgili haberler.
Farkında mısınız, Çanakkale’de savaşı kazanan biziz, haklı olan biziz, daha çok şehit veren biziz, ama haber olan Anzak törenleri...

Medya, mazrufa değil, zarfa bakmayı alışkanlık edinmiştir. Medya, renkli, şatafatlı törenlere bayılır. Oysa; dünyanın en büyük emperyalist eylemidir Çanakkale çıkarması. Dünyanın en büyük direnişidir Çanakkale savaşı... Bu gerçekler görmezden gelinip, süslü törenleri haberleştirmek adetten olmaya başladı.
Böyle giderse değerlerimiz de dedelerimizi de unutacağız...
Gelin, medyanın unutturma çabasına karşı çıkalım... Dedelerimizin bu ülke için canlarını nasıl feda ettiklerini anımsayalım.

Aşağıda okuyacağınız olay, gerçekten yaşanmış bir olaydır. Ali’nin destanıdır. Aynı cephede dövüşen köylüsünün, yıllar önce anlattıklarından yola çıkılarak yazılmıştır:

1915’in Nisan ayıydı...

İngiliz gemileri Çanakkale kıyısına asker indiriyordu...
Durdurmak gerekti düşmanı. Osmanlı ordusunun başındaki Alman paşa hesap adamıydı. Taarruz değil, hesap ediyordu. Genç kumandan Mustafa Kemal ise çoktan yapmıştı hesabını. Vatan elden gidiyordu. Ölümün hesabı yapılamazdı. Alman üst kumandanı beklemeden verdi taarruz emrini...
Kemal’in askerleri sabahın ilk ışıkları ile birlikte, gözlerini kırpmadan ve bir an için bile düşünmeden ileri atıldılar. Bir yandan düşman siperlerinden mermi yağıyor, bir yandan da Çanakkale Boğazı’na demirlemiş gemilerden atılan top gülleleri yeri dövüyordu.

Ali, ikinci kez silah altına alınmasından buyana neredeyse 3 yıldır askerdi. İlk askerlik döneminde değişik cephelerde bulunmuştu. Alışkındı düşman mermilerine. Bir an bile tereddüt etmeden atıldı ileriye... “Vatanın kurtuluşu için düşmanın kökünü kazımak gerekiyordu.” Bunu çok iyi öğrenmişti. Dövüşmeden olmayacaktı.
Düşman arsızdı. Her cepheden saldırıyordu. Şimdiki cephe Çanakkale idi. Yağız bir gençti komutanı, taarruz öncesi demişti ki, “namusumuzu, ırzımızı korumak, vatanımıza sahip çıkabilmek için savaşmak zorundayız. Üstelik bu savaş devletimizin kalbine uzanan hançer gibi... Çanakkale geçilirse, bu hançer İstanbul’a saplanacak, her şey bitecek. Taarruz emri verdiğimde bir an bile ölümü düşünmeden süngünüzü düşmanın bağrına saplayacaksınız.”
Gözleri çakmak çakmak yanan genç komutanın sözleri kamçılamıştı askerleri... Ölümü düşünmeden siperlerinden fırlayıp atılmışlardı ileriye.

Ali, deneyimliydi... Çok savaş görmüştü. Yiğitti. Ölümü bir an bile aklına getirmeden hücuma geçti. Ön saflardaydı. Güneşin ilk ışıklarıyla parlayan süngülerin arasından mermiler vızırdayarak geçiyordu kulaklarının dibinden. İlerleme sağlamışlar yeni bir sipere atmışlardı kendilerini. Düşmanla aralarında mesafe daralmıştı.

Ali yine ön saflardaydı, yiğitti, gözüpekti. El bombasını kütüklüğünden çözdü. Öğrendiklerini içinden tekrarladı; “fitili yak, sonra say 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ve sonra fırlat...” Deneyimliydi, kim bilir kaç kez düşmanın üzerine bomba olmuş yağmıştı. Yerinden yavaşça doğruldu. Kumandanının işaretiyle el bombaları fırlatılacak, düşman hattının dövülmesi ile birlikte ikinci bir sıçrama yapılacaktı. Bombayı en uzağa fırlatmalı, düşman siperlerinin ortasına kadar ulaştırabilmeliydi. İşaret geldi, fitili yaktı, saymaya başladı, 1, 2, 3, 4... Düşman mermi yağdırıyordu, aldırmadan doğruldu... Doğrulması ile birlikte göğsünün sol yanında sinek ısırığı gibi bir sızı hissetti. Vurulmuştu.... Elindeki bombayı fırlatmak istedi, yapamadı... Göğsünde ılık ılık bir akıntı hissetti, fırlatamadığı bombayla birlikte yere yığıldı.
Bomba elinde patlayacak, belki de siperdeki arkadaşlarının ölümüne neden olacaktı. Elinde tuttuğu bombayı, patlamadan göğsünün altına çekmeyi başardı...
.......
Ölüm indirmede gökler, ölü püskürmede yer;
O ne müdhiş tipidir: Savrulur enkaz-ı beşer...
Kafa, göz, gövde, bacak, kol, çene, parmak, el, ayak,
Boşanır sırtlara vâdilere, sağnak sağnak.
.......
Savruldu sipere eli, kolu, göğsü, bacağı... Nefes almaya çalıştı son kez. Top, tüfek sesi uzaklaşıyordu kulaklarından. Sonra hiçbir şey duymaz oldu.
Küçük bir kız çocuğunun görüntüsü geldi gözlerinin önüne. Belli belirsiz “Emine” diyebildi. Küçük bir kız çocuğuydu. Üstü başı dökülmüş, çiçekli, kirli bir entari vardı üzerinde. Yüzüne sinekler çokuşmuş, gözlerinde nem... Gözgöze geldi küçük Emineyle. Uzanıp elini tutmak istedi, olmayan eliyle... Burnuna köyünün çiçeklerinin kokusu geldi. Sonra bu kokuya bebek kokusu karıştı. Cephede iken karısının hamile olduğunu öğrenmişti. Minik bir bebek, daha süt kokuyor. Geldi, gözlerinin önüne oturdu. Sevmek, dokunmak, koklamak istedi... Son bir çaba gösterdi çocuklarına uzanabilmek için... Emine’nin görüntüsü bir kez daha geldi oturdu gözlerinin önüne ve bir de bebek kokusu...

Doymak ister gibi içine çekti kokuyu. Göğsünden ılık ılık akan kanı hissetti sonra. “Eşhedü enla ilahe illallah ve eşhedü enne Muhammeden abduhu va resulühü" demek istedi... Dudaklarını kıpırdatamadı... İçinden geçirdi.
Ölümü bir an bile düşünmeden atılmıştı ileriye...
Ama ölüm onu buldu...
Bir ışık geldi oturdu gözlerinin içine
Son nefesini verirken, göz kapakları düştü.
* * *
Sarı sıcak çökmüştü Çukurova’nın düzüne. Alışık değillerdi bu sarı sıcağa. Göçerliğin yasaklanmasından sonra bu kaçıncı yazdı bilinmez, ama alışamamıştı Kürkçü obası.
Evin kadınları tek göz odalı evin gölgesinde oturmuş, sıcağı ve savaşı konuşuyorlardı. Ne olmuştu, yedi düvele diz çöktüren bu Osmanlı’ya... Düşman gelmiş burunlarının dibine dayanmıştı.

“Gız Havva bak hele” diye bir ses geldi avludan, belli belirsiz. Bu Havva’nın kocası Ahmet’ti. Ahmet Kâ. Havva meraklandı, evi dolanıverdi bir solukta. Avluya geldi. Ahmet Kâ’nın elinde bir kağıt, gözleri dolu, sesi ağlamaklıydı, “Alim” diyebildi... Ve bir anda yangın yerine döndü Ahmet Kâ’nın obası...
Ali’nin Künyesi gelmişti cepheden, bir de vatan için şehit düştüğünü belirten, sağdan sola iki satır yazı...

ANZAC Day Remembered in Gallipoli by solemn ceremonies

There were no scenes of drinking or littering that marred previous commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

CANAKKALE - Some 10,000 people, a third of them Turkish, commemorated the 91st anniversary of the start of the land campaign on the Gallipoli Peninsula in a series of solemn services on Tuesday

At the Dawn Service held at the ceremonial site close to where the first boatloads of Australians landed just before sunrise on April 25, 1915, marking the beginning of the eight month campaign on the peninsula, was followed by services at the Australian memorial at Lone Pine, the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial and the New Zealand national monument at Chunuk Bair.

Speaking at the Dawn Service, Australian Governor General Major General Michael Jeffery said that the campaign had seen the development his country’s own national ethos based on the wonderful qualities of courage, endurance and mateship shown by the Australian soldiers.

The campaign also brought about the rebirth of Turkeys own national pride and sense of identity, he said.
“Today, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, at this most moving of places, we are summoned to recall the battle sacrifices of Australian farmers and clerks, teachers and labourers (who fought), and to commemorate outstanding courage and strength of character in the face of incredible and sustained adversity,” Maj-Gen Jeffery said.

“But in losing the campaign, they won us a greater prize - an enduring sense of national identity. “Let us never forget.”

A letter written by, Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey and who as Lieutenant Colonel Mustafa Kemal played a leading role in the defeat of the allies in the campaign, was also read to the crowd in both Turkish in English.

The letter, which was read by the then Turkish Interior minister at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in 1934, in part reads: “Those heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives, you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country, rest in peace.”

Anzac Day remembered across the globe