On 25 April 1915, the first Australian and New Zealand troops of the Anzac Corps arrived in Europe as they landed on the west coast of Gallipoli in the ships of the invasion fleet, commencing a brutal eight-month campaign against the Ottoman Empire that saw the loss of 56,706 brave Allied soldiers lives.
From a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted to Australia’s war efforts, of which over 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed or taken prisoner. Likewise, almost 10% of the total population of New Zealand served in the First World War, with about a fifth killed in action. The war played an important role in fostering a sense of national identity for New Zealand and Australia and it is often said in reference to both that a nation was born “somewhere between the landing at Anzac and the end of the battle of the Somme.”
Anzac Day is commemorated with a national public holiday in Australia and New Zealand, with this year bearing extra significance given that 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli. Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders are expected to visit throughout the year and the region is held close to the heart for Bridge of the World as it was here that Tayce Gilbert first arrived in Turkey for ANZAC Day in 2010.
As a native Australian, Tayce is both compassionate and knowledgeable when it comes to the history and significance to her compatriots. During a tour with Bridge of the World you will hear the stories and learn the history behind such haunting locations as Hell Spit, Shrapnel Valley and Artillery Road. The Anzac area is home to 21 war cemeteries with visitors able to pay their respects at Beach Cemetery, Helles Memorial and the Lone Pine Memorial, among others.
Located in Goreme, right in the heart of Cappadocia, Bridge of the World provide travellers with a quality service that offers unique insights into local cultures as well as the must see tourist sites. Discover local attractions like the famous “fairy chimneys” of Cappadocia and the shattered heads of Mount Nemrut, venture further afield to the Anzac memorial site of Gallipoli, or take a cruise through the Mediterranean Sea. There has never been a better opportunity to unravel the many facets of Turkey than there is with Bridge of the World.
