111th Gallipoli Anniversary Commemoration Unites Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand

On Saturday, 24 April 2026, officials and visitors from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey assembled at 5:30 a.m. on the Gallipoli peninsula near the historic ANZAC landing beach. The hour-long service featured hymns, prayers and wreath-laying by delegations from the three nations and other invited countries, marking the 111th anniversary of the 1915 landing.

Australia and New Zealand gather in Turkey to commemorate WWI battle

The Gallipoli campaign formed part of a British-led operation aimed at forcing the Ottoman Empire out of the conflict by opening a sea route through the Dardanelles. The assault began on 25 April 1915, lasted eight months, and failed to achieve its strategic goal, leaving a deep imprint on the memory of the combatants. The eight-month fighting resulted in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides.

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New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro delivered the opening address, emphasizing reconciliation. Turkish Colonel Fatih Cansiz read a 1934 tribute written by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk for the fallen, recalling Atatürk’s own rise as a Gallipoli commander before founding the Turkish Republic. Delegations also included officials from Australia’s Department of Defence, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Turkish military and cultural representatives.

Associated PressAustralia and New Zealand gather in Turkey to commemorate WWI battle

Although the battle once pitted former adversaries against each other, the centennial commemorations now serve as a platform for reinforcing bilateral ties. Shared remembrance highlights how the conflict shaped Australian and New Zealand national identities while simultaneously fostering a lasting friendship with Turkey. Officials cite the ceremony as evidence that historical wounds can evolve into mutual respect, cultural exchange, and continued dialogue.

Australia and New Zealand gather in Turkey to commemorate WWI battle

In her address, Dame Cindy Kiro emphasized that suffering can give rise to understanding and that former enemies can become friends, framing the event as a testament to shared humanity. Colonel Cansiz’s reading of Atatürk’s tribute highlighted the equal sacrifice of soldiers—referred to as “Johnnies” and “Mehmets”—and called for peace in the soil of a friendly country. Both narratives stressed reconciliation over past conflict.

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• "From great suffering, understanding can grow. From former enemies, friendships can blossom. The relationship between Turkey, Australia and New Zealand is built on remembrance, respect and recognition of our shared humanity." — Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand

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• "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." — Turkish Col. Fatih Cansiz (reading Atatürk’s 1934 tribute)

Associated Press

• "The Gallipoli campaign, part of a British-led effort to defeat the Ottoman Empire, ultimately failed, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides during the eight-month conflict." — Associated Press

Australia and New Zealand gather in Turkey to commemorate WWI battle

• "The battle helped forge Australia and New Zealand’s national identities as well as friendship with their former adversary, Turkey." — Associated Press

Associated Press

The ceremony precedes ANZAC Day observances on 25 April 2026, when services will be held at Gallipoli and in the capitals of the three nations, reinforcing ongoing remembrance and bilateral cooperation.

Australia and New Zealand gather in Turkey to commemorate WWI battle