Anzac Day marks 111 years since Gallipoli landings

Thousands gathered before dawn at Anzac Cove to mark the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, honoring those who lost their lives in one of World War I’s most defining battles.

Attendees from Australia and New Zealand joined Turkish officials and international representatives at the annual dawn service, where moments of silence and national anthems paid tribute to the fallen, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Speaking at the ceremony, Cindy Kiro reflected on the lasting impact of the campaign, sharing stories of families who continue to travel across the world to honor relatives buried far from home. She emphasized that remembrance at Gallipoli is made possible through the enduring friendship between nations once divided by war.

Sally-Anne Vincent highlighted the shared grief experienced by all sides, noting that loss extended beyond national lines to include both Allied forces and Turkish defenders.

A key moment in the ceremony was the reading of a 1934 message by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose words to Anzac mothers have become a symbol of reconciliation and respect between former adversaries.

The event concluded with wreath-laying by officials including Omer Toraman and representatives from multiple countries, reflecting the international significance of the campaign.

Observed annually as Anzac Day, the ceremony not only honors the soldiers who fought in 1915 but also stands as a powerful reminder of how conflict can give way to lasting peace and cooperation.

News.Az 

By Aysel Mammadzada