Officials and visitors from the three countries gathered at dawn near the Gallipoli landing site in northwest Turkey for a solemn ceremony marking the 111th anniversary.
The event featured hymns, prayers, and wreath-laying, with representatives from many nations attending to honor those who died in the eight-month World War I campaign.
The Gallipoli battle, which forged national identities and friendships between former adversaries, is remembered for its heavy casualties and its role in shaping Australia, New Zealand, and modern Turkey.
From dawn rituals to a simple biscuit, how did Gallipoli forge lasting national traditions?
How is the 111-year-old Gallipoli story being rewritten by its former enemies?
Why are modern Anzac Day ceremonies in Australia now facing public protests and controversy?
Beyond the battlefield, what critical planning failures doomed the Gallipoli campaign from the start?
How did Turkish mines and shore batteries single-handedly defeat a mighty Allied naval fleet?
Remembering Gallipoli: The 111th Anzac Day Commemoration and Atatürk’s Enduring Tribute
Overview
On April 25, 2026, nearly 1,800 people from Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, and other nations gathered at Gallipoli to mark the 111th anniversary of the Anzac landings. The Dawn Service began at 5:30 a.m., featuring the reading of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s 1934 tribute, which emphasized reconciliation and shared humanity. The Gallipoli campaign of 1915, though a military failure with heavy losses, gave rise to the ANZAC spirit and shaped national identities. Atatürk’s tribute transformed Gallipoli into a symbol of peace, fostering lasting friendship between former foes. Today, Anzac Day is observed worldwide, inspiring reflection on sacrifice, respect, and the ongoing pursuit of peace.