Trip to Gallipoli Campaign : In honor of the Commemoration of ANZAC April 25 and Tribute for Mother's day.

DATED : October 24-25, 2012 

Traveling is very good for self-growth says Ainslie, author of Instruction and growth cited by solo traveler author Janice Waugh. It's because we discover some aspects of ourselves we aren't aware of. This month of mother's day, growth was intensified with our traveling experiences in Canakkale Region of Turkey. I could never forget the love of a Muslim Turkish mother to us, who were foreigners of the land. Second, the journey, we embarked on reminds us for the mother's hope and misery. If only she could save her children from suffering and pain, she would be grateful to do that.

There's something about seeing the place in Gallipoli Peninsula located in Turkish Thrace , feeling the presence of the soldiers fighting for their country, and being in their mothers' position hurting after their sons death. Gallipoli derives its name from the Greek "Καλλίπολις" (Kallipolis), meaning "Beautiful City" . This beautiful city is mother's misery.

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Hassssh (the sound of wind)... Shhh... Raindrops slowly fell down, disturbed by the faint cold breeze. It was 7 o'clock in the morning as the sky had still pitch black, when we arrived in Canakkale, Turkey, the town seaport on the southern(Asian coast). As we crossed to the Europe side of the strait by a ferry, the wind blasted much stronger.

After 20 minutes, we were in Eceabet. Still the thunder followed, with a crash that rattles all the places. Rain came pelting down smashing against our body. We felt very cold. I told my husband, “ I don't know how long I can stand this cold,” We were shivering badly. My husband who was so assuring,” Don't worry we can find a warm place.” Venturing out into this unknown place in a bad weather turned to create precious moment of reflection - "We need our mother.”

As we went into a space at the most corner of the back of the souvenir shop, we saw a woman in her 50s. She was the restroom attendant, who collects the payment for every usage. Though we couldn’t understand any single word she said, but we know she welcomed us with her compassion while giving us seats.” She's a Muslim.” Why did she do this to us?” The voice inside of me was confused. Deep inside, there's an inner joy when you think that they have different perspectives and religion than ours, but she was still caring for us, who were foreigners in her eyes.

Why Christians and Muslims are fighting when both believe in the same thing – compassion and love of your neighbors? Or Maybe they do it because they wanted to protect their religion? I don't know. Maybe because she is just a mother, who can't afford to see her children suffer. But I know that time when she offered us with Turkish tea to keep us warm was really an act of love. I told her. Thank you. I am hoping she understands what I meant.

Given by the Turkish mother

Soon, we need to go to see the The historical National Park of Gelibolu Peninsula preserving that time in history when 500,000 soldiers who lost their lives. This place left traces deep enough to change us and strong enough to be felt even the day we were there. Everything was seems so real. We were driving around the park and stopped at the cemeteries. We ignored the burst of lightning brightens the sky, immediately followed by a low rumble disturbed the peaceful atmosphere of the pristine coastal forest, green hills, sandy beaches and blue waters. The rain falls down hard, crushing the resting place for the Turkish, who fought bravely to protect their homeland and for Australian, New Zealand, British , French and Indians (ANZAC), who wanted to end the world war.

I felt crashing inside. We couldn't stop our tears from crying when I felt the strong emotions of pity for the mothers of these dying soldiers. My husband was a tough guy, but he couldn't stop himself from being emotional and his tears and raindrops wet his face and bursting out and cried, “ Their mothers had suffered so much . They cared for them and nurtured and protected them.But now look at them, they were sent here to get killed and died young. Very young. I am sure their mothers were grieving in pain upon losing them.”

The images of the war and the ruthless attack on their children were very painful for a mother like them. One of the letter was recovered written by one of the soldiers that says,” Don't worry mother. I'll come back. I am sure with that,” How do you think the mother would feel after hearing the news of her son's death? She lost her hope and she was badly in pain because she's expecting her son to come home.

When we visit the battle sites (ANZAC Coves), lone pine tree, memorials and cemeteries, we can feel the special spirit of this place. We can feel the heart of Turkish nation. The wind in the tree-tops and the waves of the eternal sea sing the song of the heroes of this war.

One of the significant legacies is the mutual respect between the Turks, Aussie and Kiwi guest who they continually welcome with open arms – once enemies, now are brothers.

Kemal Ataturk in a speech to the first visitors to Gallipoli from Australia and New Zealand in 1934: (cited from Natalie of http://turkishtravelblog.com/)

 “Heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives!

You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. 

There is no difference between the Johnnies and Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours.

You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.

After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”

Lone Pine
That's how the area and the cemetery got its name from this only one Pine tree in the area Lone Pine — atGallipoli Peninsula, Turkey.

Everything that happened in the past Gallipoli is an extremely moving place. For others, it emphasizes the strength of unity that is now shared between former enemies, but for me, it reminds us the love of their mothers, who sent their sons far away from their country. If Christians and Muslims will start another war, let's remember our mothers. Even we have different perspectives on religions, we still have the same mothers who taught us how to love one other.

Traveling indeed is good for the souls' growth. After the trip, it develops our a greater understanding of our own cultural and religious warfare – we don't have to end up killing each other like enemies before we realized that we can love and forgive like brothers. Let's love one another as how our mothers love us so much. This is the most important thing we learned after we embarked on the Gallipoli journey.