111th anniversary of Gallipoli landings commemorated at Anzac Cove

The annual Dawn Service was held at the Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula to mark the 111th anniversary of the 1915 landings on Saturday.

Thousands of attendees from Australia and New Zealand gathered at the historic site overnight to participate in the commemorative event, which included a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthems of Türkiye, Australia, and New Zealand.

During the ceremony, New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro highlighted the historical impact of the campaign on families, citing the story of Eliza O’Donnell, who traveled from New Zealand to visit her son’s grave.

"Our presence at Gallipoli to honor and remember our fallen is made possible through the deep generosity and friendship of the government and the people of the Republic of Türkiye," Kiro said.

Australian Ambassador Sally-Anne Vincent also addressed the congregation, referencing the search for missing soldiers like Private George Roy Irwin. She noted that the loss was shared by all participating nations, including the Turkish defenders.

Reflecting on the evolution of the diplomatic relationship, Vincent said: "From great suffering, understanding can grow; from former enemies, friendships can blossom."

The proceedings included a reading of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s 1934 message to Anzac mothers by Infantry Staff Colonel Fatih Cansiz, delivered in both Turkish and English.

The event concluded with the laying of wreaths by Canakkale Governor Omer Toraman and representatives from over a dozen nations, including the UK, France, and Canada, to honor the service members killed during the Gallipoli campaign.

Anzac stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that fought in Canakkale in 1915 and later in the Middle East and Europe on behalf of their allies.