English Turkey » History

The Battle of Gallipoli : Hell !

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:59:09 +0000

Well, I wanted to write interesting and important things about one of the bloodiest wars of all times, The Battle of Gallipoli took place on the Anatolian land called Gallipoli (Canakkale in Turkish) in 1915, during the First World War. Can you imagine the terror of that war? Even, the bullets were crashing each other on the air. Here is the photo :

A joint British Empire including ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), British Indian, French operation was mounted to capture the Ottoman capital of Istanbul, and secure a sea route to Russia. The attempt failed, with very heavy casualties on both sides totaling 350,000 lives! The tragic waste in human life and hopes of peace.

What I wanted to emphasize is the importance of the words of great Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who founded the modern Republic of Turkey.

He was the chief general commander of Turkish side on the battle at that time and these words are written on Memorial of Anzac Cove in Gallipoli.

Those heroes that 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 the Mehmets (Turkish people call their soldiers like that) 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. Having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.
—Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

ANZAC day at 25 April is now one of the most important days in Australia & New Zealand. Many people from these lands come to Gallipoli each year to remember that day. It is a chance for cultural connection of new generations of Australian, New Zealand and Turkish people.

I suggest 2 great items for the people who are further interested to understand that days.
Gallipoli – Mel Gibson Movieand Gallipoli (Perennial Classics)

Bashi-bazouks : Ottoman Army of Mads

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:44:40 +0000

The cartoon drawing that you see near is an imaginary scene from Bashi-baozuks attacking to enemy without any clothes by famous Turkish caricaturist Bahadir Boysal.

There is a legend that Ottoman army put crazy people on to the horses naked and sent them fiercely to enemy army. The enemies couldn’t understand what the hell these strange looking, shouting horde coming to them for death and as a result, there occurred much disorder and moral fall in the army before the real battle.
Besides the legend depicted on the drawing, there was really an army of bashi-bazouks (In Turkish languages it means “Mad Head“) who didn’t obey any rules, undisciplined living without salaries. They were also mostly religious fanatics which gave horror to western countries.

The western literature and history, this term entered exactly. Even from famous cartoon Tintin series, Captain Haddock used it as a curse and argot. You can read more at Wikipedia about this unique army.

Historic Turkish Baths of Istanbul

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:36:03 +0000

Turkish Bath Culture has roots in Roman Baths and its a history of several centuries starting from Ottoman times.

This book provides detailed information about Ottoman Bath Architecture, The Essential Components of the Bath: Tellak and Natir, The Baths and Sex, the most famous baths (hamams) of Istanbul including Cemberlitas Bath, Cagaloglu Bath, Oruculer Bath, Suleymaniye Bath, Sifa Bath, Gedikpasa Bath, Kosk Bath, Vezneciler Bath and many other ones. You will also read many interesting facts about the Turkish baths and life.

A recommended read about Turkish culture.

English Turkey » History

The Battle of Gallipoli : Hell !

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