OUR NEXT SPEAKER SERIES TALK
Wednesday 26th April, 2.30pm at the Beaumaris Senior Centre.
THE TURKISH SIDE OF THE TRAGIC GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN
We are very fortunate to have Dr John Basarin addressing us the day after Anzac Day. John, who was born in Istanbul, Turkey and migrated to Australia in 1973, will give us a fascinating perspective of this Gallipoli campaign, which served as a tragic ‘coming of age’ for both the ANZACs and the Turks. John has given many talks on this topic at service clubs, the Shrine of Remembrance, schools, military associations and historical societies.
We are reminded of the words of Kamal Ataturk, Turkey’s first President in a memorial at Anzac Cove: “There is no difference between the Johnnies and the 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.”
For a little reading in advance: https://www.theage.com.au/national/a-coming-of-age-and-of-solidarity-20080425-ge705w.html