Dear Colleagues,

Distinguished
Guests,

Ladies and
Gentlemen,

It is an honor for
me to be here with you today to commemorate all fallen soldiers in Gallipoli.

Let me begin my
words by describing a beautiful spring morning: a bright sunshine, a gentle
breeze from the turquoise sea, green fields, blooming flowers and butterflies…

Now imagine all of
these in Çanakkale / the Dardanelles, an exceptionally beautiful landscape.

Yet, this was not
the case on 25 April 1915…

One hundred and
eight years ago at dawn, the first major amphibious operation in modern warfare
started in Gallipoli and the tragedy of war resulted in many casualties.

Hundreds of
thousands of brave soldiers, in the prime of their lives with hope and longings,
perished leaving their beloved ones behind. The losses were so heart-rending
that in 1915 and 1916, no university or even high school in İstanbul could
generate graduates.

However, despite
the devastating effects, we remember Gallipoli as “gentlemen’s battles” fought
in dignity: While the Turks were defending their homeland, the Australians and the
New Zealanders were serving their duty.

Now Johnnies and Mehmets
rest side by side in peace. Here, I would like to quote Holy Quran, as
“sacrifice” is a common theme in three monotheistic religions:

“Never say that those martyred in the cause of
Allah are dead—in fact, they are alive! But you do not perceive it.”

As a rare outcome
for any war in human history, Johnnies’ and Mehmets’ sacrifices paved the way
for a unique friendship. This friendship is being marked today, like every 25^th
of April, in Gallipoli, in Beijing and around the world.

Ladies and
Gentlemen,

We should always
remember their sacrifices and find strength in their bravery to build a better
future for the coming generations.

I would like to
conclude my words by reading the well-known message of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,
the commander of the Turkish forces in Gallipoli.

He was not only a
great military leader, but also a peace-loving, visionary statesman. As the
founder of the modern Turkish Republic, he dedicated his life to build
friendships and alliances:

“Those heroes that shed their
blood and lost their lives, you are now living in the soil of a friendly
country; therefore, rest in peace.

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 faraway 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.”

As the Turkish
Ambassador in Beijing, I pay my deep respects to all soldiers who fought in
Gallipoli. May their souls rest in peace.