A couple of years ago, I wrote about my trip to Gallipoli for Anzac Day 2009 with the Australian-based travel group, The Fanatics. It was one of the more memorable experiences of my life and you can read about it here (it’ll only take a couple of minutes, but it’s worth it for those who haven’t visited this sacred site).
Ahead of this year’s 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing—the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War—I thought I’d share some more photos from my 24 hours in Gallipoli, and a couple from Istanbul.
Were it not for the 37 cemeteries and war memorials scattered across its peninsula, the area’s beauty could almost mask its tragic past; where wildflowers now grow, blood was once spilled.
The underground cistern in Istanbul is thought to have been built 532 AD.
The memorial at Lone Pine.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 58 streets, over 1,200 shops, and more than 250,000 visitors daily. Products include handmade rugs, pottery, mosiac lanterns and much more.
Waiting for the Australian service at Lone Pine where Turks and Australians lived, fought and died.
The view over Sulva Bay, Galipoli.
Apple tea and hand woven rugs are two of Turkey’s specialties.
We made the 3km trek from Sulva Bay to Lone Pine. I couldn’t even imagine trying to do it under enemy fire.
So proud to be in Gallipoli honouring those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
The beachside war cemetery of Ari Brunu on Sulva Bay contains the graves of 182 Australians, including 82 men from the Australian Light Horse regiments.
The gardens inside Topkapi Palace, Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Fields of green and gold greeted us as we made our way to Gallipoli on Anzac Day eve.
The Lone Pine memorial commemorates more than 4,900 Australian and New Zealand servicemen who died in the Anzac area. Some died at sea buried in the waters off Gallipoli.
Families were allowed 65 characters to write a lasting message about their loved one on the headstones scattered across the Gallipoli Peninsula.
The Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial.
Blonde Ambition 