Anzac Day (25 April) is a national day of commemoration in both Australia and New Zealand when we remember all those who died in war. The Anzac landings were the first occasion where the soldiers of these two fledgling nations fought together and created a legend that survives to this day. So great were the losses at Gallipoli and later on the Western Front during World War I, it impacted on a large proportion of our relatively small populations. While under British command, the Anzacs acted independently although in concert with the British landings at Cape Helles. Mutual respect also developed between the Anzacs and the Turkish soldiers.

In Australia's case, soldiers of State battalions arrived at Gallipoli as New South Welshmen, South or West Australians, Queenslanders, Tasmanians or Victorians and, at least for those who survived, left as Australians. By their actions and for their bravery, the Anzacs gained international recognition for their countries. The Gallipoli campaign of 1915 is therefore indelibly linked to the development of our nationhood in much the same way as the Battle of Çanakkale in 1915 is central to the development of modern Turkey.

Each year, thousands of Australians and New Zealanders of all ages make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to commemorate Anzac Day where visitor numbers reach 13-15,000. For most, it is a profoundly emotional experience in a place where many believe our national identities were forged. The Gallipoli Peninsula is equally revered as a site of remembrance by our allies (Britain, France and India) and by the Turkish people who suffered a quarter of a million casualties in defending their homeland against this Allied invasion.

The following information has been prepared to assist visitors wishing to attend the Anzac Day services at Gallipoli to plan their trip. We are sure that your visit to the Peninsula will be a memorable one. However, it is important for international visitors to understand that only very limited services are available. The Turkish Government strictly controls any development on the Peninsula in an attempt to preserve this important historical site. The organisation of these services has only been possible with the assistance of the Australian and New Zealand Embassies in Ankara and through the cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Turkey.

Remembering the War Dead
The Gallipoli Peninsula is a place revered by the Turkish people. Visitors are asked to respect the environment and, in particular, to recognise that thousands of soldiers who fell there, have no known grave.

Visitors should also respect the fact that thousands of British, French and Indian soldiers as well as Australian and New Zealand soldiers, died in Gallipoli and that many nationals come to pay their respects to both the Anzacs and their own nation's soldiers. Over 22,000 British soldiers died at Gallipoli and an increasing number of visitors from the United Kingdom visit Gallipoli on this day. Anzac Day at Gallipoli has truly become an international day of commemoration.

Of the 31 war cemeteries maintained on the Peninsula by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, 17 are located in the Anzac Area. They contain graves of known and unknown soldiers from a number of Commonwealth nations and again, should be treated with the utmost respect. The Commission has maintained these cemeteries for over 80 years and the task is not made easier by the climate or the numbers of visitors who pause at each headstone. Of course, visitors are most welcome and the Commission appreciates the intense public interest in their cemeteries, not only at Gallipoli, but around the world.