On the 25th April every year thousands of young Aussies and Kiwis travel to a remote part of the Turkish coastline to remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy that was Gallipoli in 1915. Being in the relative area at the time last year, I decided to attend. I was interested as to why this event has become so increasingly popular amongst a generation who can't really relate to war.
Firstly, its a massive logistical exercise. The dawn service takes place in a relatively small area flanked by cliffs in a national park that is accessed by one single lane road.You walk for hours, sleep out in the open squished together like sardines, and its not till the following afternoon that you find your way back to your coach by walking along a line of them that stretches as far as the eye can see. You just have to hope your coach is somewhere near the front of the line and that you can remember what number it is.
Physical discomfort aside, it was an incredibly moving experience. Everyone was very patient, respectful and quietly patriotic. The Turkish people also sustained massive losses despite "winning" and a significant number of Turkish also attend. There was a lovely feeling of understanding between nations, as well as curiosity. Last year was also the 90th anniversary, and so Prince Charles attended as did the prime ministers of Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. This added a somewhat surreal aspect to the event given the size of the venues, everyone was a lot closer to these people than they ever have been or probably ever will be.
I never really found an answer to my question as to why this event is so popular amongst my generation. I do know that it was a memorial and a celebration of patriotism and community in a place very far from home for most people. And that can't be a bad thing.
