A photographic exploration of the descendants of the Anzac and Turkish soldiers who fought at Gallipoli
EXHIBITION DATES
26 March - 31 May 2015 Sydney Customs House, Australia
8 April - 24 May 2015 Bahcesehir University BAUART Gallery, Istanbul Turkey
26 March - 31 May 2015 Sydney Customs House, Australia
8 April - 24 May 2015 Bahcesehir University BAUART Gallery, Istanbul Turkey
7 – 22 October 2015 Gallipoli Ataturk Cultural Centre,Gallipoli Turkey
23 October - 23 November 2015 Dardanelles Culture and Arts Centre, Dardanelles, Turkey
25 September – 28 January 2018 Museum of Riverina, Wagga Wagga, Australia
April 2025 – Turhan Mildon Culture and Art Centre, Dardanelles,Turkey
Once I remember my father accounting the events in Gallipoli to his friend...
I remember his words to this day...He was one of the eight survivors from his battalion of 800.’
Descendant: Asim Iyidilli
Age: 73
Profession: Teacher (retired)
Nationality: Turkish Australian
Ancestor: Halil Iyidilli (1892–1961)
Relationship to subject: Father
Profession: Teacher
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Fifth Army
'I'd like to have known my grandfather better. I was still young when he died. I would love to known his thoughts on war in general and on the Gallipoli and Palestine campaigns in particular as I have read a lot of their history. I suspect he abhorred war and was simply doing his duty. I miss him fondly'.
Descendant: William Eric Hyman
Age: 53
Profession: Teacher
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Eric Montague Hyman (c.1885–1964)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Farmer, flour miller
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 12th Light Horse Regiment, 4th Brigade
‘This [Turkish] nation united to defend our land in Gallipoli. Battle of Gallipoli showed the Turks what can be achieved with determination, despite limited resources.’
Descendant: Birgan Gulez
Age: 85
Profession: -
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Mehmet Sefik Aker (1877–1964)
Relationship to subject: Father
Profession: Soldier
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 27th Regiment, Fifth Army
My father had a great respect and no animosity towards the Turks but had a near hatred of the British Commander.’
Descendant: Bruce Wallace Kerr McEwan
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist, writer, public relations consultant and TV documentary director (retired)
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Wallace Owen McEwan (1892–1964)
Relationship to subject: Father
Profession: Policeman
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 6th Light Horse Regiment
They did not realise the extent of the events they were getting into, and they thought it would be an adventure . . . They thought they would be back by Christmas.’
Descendant: Cain Gorfine
Age: 35
Profession: Territory manager
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: William Joseph Knuckey (1892–1986)
Relationship to subject: Great-grandfather
Profession: Unknown
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 5th Infantry Battalion
‘My grandfather used to tell us how during ceasefire they used to throw each other cigarettes and biscuits. Subsequently a friendship was developed between the Turks and the Anzacs. When the ceasefire was over, the people who had exchanged gifts started to again kill each other. I think this is the critical edge!’
Descendant: Cemal Akgun
Age: 58
Profession: Museum attendant at Ataturk’s House in Bigali, Gallipoli
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Cumali (Cemali) Akgun (1885–1968)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Barber, farmer
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: 3rd Battalion, 27th Regiment, 9th Division, Fifth Army
Having studied the Gallipoli campaign I still struggle to comprehend its foolishness, and the overall incompetence of those in command on the allied side. Visiting Gallipoli and seeing the terrain makes it immediately apparent that the landing was poorly thought out.’
Descendant: Christopher Michael Kelliher Malcolm Stephens
Age: 26
Profession: Property rights analyst
Nationality: New Zealander
Ancestor: Sir Henry Joseph Kelliher (1896–1991)
Relationship to subject: Great-grandfather
Profession: Hotelier, brewer, philanthropist
Army: New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Post in Gallipoli: Otago Mounted Rifles
One of the things that has always struck me is that, though it is common to demonise an enemy during war, the Turks were called Johnny Turk. This was a very personalised and sort of a friendly description. It probably came from the common experiences and mutual respect shared.’
Descendant: Clive Williams
Age: 82
Profession: Psychologist (retired)
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Oswald Williams (1886–1938)
Relationship to subject: Father
Profession: Clerk
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 9th Battalion
The Turks and the Anzacs were not enemies. They were friends; they fought and remained friends . . . This is the irony.’
Descendant: Erdal Kabatepe
Age: 69
Profession: Civil engineer, city planner
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Ali Faik (1872–1915)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Soldier
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 1st Battalion, 33rd Regiment, Fifth Army
Gallipoli, for me, simply represents my grandfather and the grandfathers of nations who sacrificed their lives during this war.’
Descendant: Ayse Filiz Ergun
Age: 68
Profession: Chemical engineer
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Mehmet Nazif Cakmak (1882–1915)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Soldier
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 5th Squadron, 64th Regiment, 9th Division, Fifth Army
‘He went there to fight for his country; he came back after having had both of his legs amputated as a result of injuries he received in battle. This is a hardship no one can prepare themselves for, but he seemed to take it in a “matter of fact” way.’
Descendant: Georgia Whitton
Age: 21
Profession: Student
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Thomas Evan Whitton (1891–1966)
Relationship to subject: Great-grandfather
Profession: Professional runner
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 1st Artillery Brigade, 1st Division
‘In his letter to his sweetheart, my grandfather cites a letter they’ve received from the Turkish soldiers written in French, thrown into the Australian trenches: “Our friends, The Enemy, we received your preserved meat and in return we have sent some tobacco but would appreciate if you could please send some souvenirs and in return we will do the same. Signed: From your soldier friends, the Turks”.’
Descendant: Idris Erle Murphy
Age: 64
Profession: Artist
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Idris Charles Pike (1896–1949)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Cabinetmaker
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 17th Battalion
I believe the Anzac spirit has the power to unite us and will continue to do so for generations.’
Descendant: Ilknur Lisa Koprululeroglu
Age: 46
Profession: Administrative assistant
Nationality: Turkish Australian
Ancestor: Hasan Tahsin Koprulu (c.1894–1951)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Judge
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Fifth Army
‘My great-great- grandfather was 36 years old and the father of four children
when he enlisted . . . he did what he believed was the right thing to do . . .’
Descendant: Isabella Thompson
Age: 20
Profession: Early childhood educator, student
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Richard Thompson (1882-1924)
Relationship to subject: Great-great-grandfather
Profession: Unknown
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 12th Light Horse Regiment
‘What brought the Anzacs and the Turks together were external forces. After the war, the value of appreciating the peace was born. That is why both sides understand each other and do not consider each other as enemies. The unique bond between these nations was quickly established and was sustained.’
‘The common message from all wars, past and present is: “Don't Fight!”’
Descendant: Izzettin Calislar
Age: 50
Profession: Writer
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Izzettin Calislar (1883–1951)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Soldier
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Chief of Staff of the XIX Corps and Anafartalar Group, Fifth Army
‘A blanket of sadness covers Gallipoli Peninsula. It’s familiarity enveloped me as soon as I stepped foot on it, chilling and warm all at once. The fallen soldiers felt so close I thought that perhaps if I turned quickly enough I might catch a glimpse!’
Descendant: Jane Pierard
Age: 40
Profession: Manager
Nationality: New Zealander
Ancestor: William Malone (1859–1915)
Relationship to subject: Great-great grandfather
Profession: Soldier
Army: New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the Wellington Infantry Battalion
‘These people sacrificed their lives to protect their loved ones, fighting until their last breath . . .
My grandfather lost his life on 25 April 1915 leaving a young wife and two young children behind.’
Descendant: Kenan Metin Tutuncu
Age: 54
Profession: Manager
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Yusuf Kenan [Gunan] (1881–1915)
Relationship to subject: Great-grandfather
Profession: Soldier
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 7th Squadron, 2nd Battalion, 26th Regiment, Fifth Army
‘Both of my grandfathers and my great-grandfather were in Gallipoli.’
Descendant: Lesley Mann
Age: 62
Profession: Manager
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Cecil Mann Macdonald (1896–1967)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: He was a journalist for the Bulletin news magazine
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 3rd Field Artillery Brigade
‘ . . . I feel, his emotional scars reverberate through generations. I am blessed to be the beneficiary of the dedication of this man, and numerous others of his generation.’
Descendant: Mark Garden
Age: 56
Profession: Property development manager
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Charles (Charlie) Garden (1894–1967)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Farmer
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: C Squadron, 8th Light Horse Regiment
When I was a kid I remember asking my grandfather if he shot any enemy soldier knowingly.
“During the first landing they used to come like flies” he answered. “You could shoot the enemy even with your eyes closed”.’
Descendant: Mehmet Kurtdere
Age: 58
Profession: Farmer
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Mehmet Kurtdere (1891-1978)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Farmer
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: 4th Battalion, 27th Regiment, 9th Division, 5th Army
‘Anzacs and Turks established their “nation states” after this war. They sanctified Gallipoli, not other fronts. Paradoxically, an inexplicable bond was established between New Zealand, Australia and Turkey . . .’
Descendant: Prof. Dr. Mensur Akgun
Age: 57
Profession: Lecturer
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Ali Tevfik Varon (1881–1963)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Soldier
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Fifth Army
‘My grandfather told my father how they did not have enough water to drink during the war and how in desperation they had to drink the fluid from dead horses stomachs.’
Descendant: Muruvet Kayabay
Age: 48
Profession: Painter
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Ahmet Hilmi Kayabay aka Tatar Ahmet (1890–1955)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Coachman
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Fifth Army
‘My father named my oldest sister, who was born in 1918, Kathleen Dardanelle Peake.’
Descendant: Nancy Mary McDonald
Age: 85
Profession: Infant nurse for Plunket Society, office work administrator (retired)
Nationality: New Zealander
Ancestor: John William Peake (1885–1950)
Relationship to subject: Father
Profession: Farmer
Army: New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Post in Gallipoli: 16th (Waikato) Company, Auckland Infantry Battalion
‘I’m proud of the way Turkey treats it’s enemies . . . the fact that we’re close friends today speaks volumes. In two generations we’ve gone to from enemies to friends. I think Ataturk’s words set the whole tone.’
Descendant: Nigel Pilkington
Age: 60
Profession: Company director (PR), Vice President of Skål International
Nationality: New Zealander
Ancestor: Ronald Frank Pilkington (1893-1986)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Farmer
Army: New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Post in Gallipoli: 3rd Battalion, 1st Otago Regiment
‘During Istanbul’s occupation by the Allied Powers, my dad escaped from Istanbul to Ankara by train dressed as a sheep merchant to join Ataturk’s forces for the liberation of Turkey.’
Descendant: Ozcan Alpat
Age: 85
Profession: –
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Huseyin Servi (c.1892 – unknown)
Relationship to subject: Father
Profession: Cartographer
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Fifth Army
‘My grandfather, in order to inspire and encourage the soldiers under his command, always stood at the front and led them. For this reason he was often wounded.’
Descendant: Serdar Halis Ataksor
Age: 58
Profession: Civil servant (retired)
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Halis Ataksor (1876-1933)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Soldier
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 27th Regiment, Fifth Army
‘I’m very proud of my family history – the fact that my grandfather survived the horrors of Gallipoli and then France before being gassed, and then later to experience the loss of all 3 sons in WWII. That is real sacrifice.’
Descendant: Sue Sarantos
Age: 65
Profession: Self-employed, pastoral assistant
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Walter Herbert Eddison (1877-1965)
Relationship to subject: Grandfather
Profession: Farmer
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 6th Light Horse Regiment
‘My father attended the Anzac Day march every year. The medals would be taken out and polished, the suit would be pressed, and shoes would be polished.’
Descendant: Sue Welman
Age: 70
Profession: Teacher (retired)
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Philip Henry Ward (1895–1964)
Relationship to subject: Father
Profession: Sheepshearer, electrician
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 3rd Battalion
‘My dad used to tell me how brave and gentlemanly the Anzacs fought against us (the Turks). When the flag was up everyone ceased fire to collect the wounded and dead. It was very gentlemanly.’
Descendant: Sevket Tokdogan
Age: 82
Profession: Bus driver (retired)
Nationality: Turkish-Australian
Ancestor: Ahmet Tokdogan (1888-1977)
Relationship to subject: Father
Profession: Turkish National Intelligence Officer
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: 57th Regiment, Fifth Army
‘It was a tragic, badly planned, courageous event and was the birthplace of a nation’s identity. Personally, I am extremely proud that both of my great grandfathers served their country, showing leadership, and compassion for others and survived to return to their loved families . . .’
Descendant: Tania Prowle and Ethan
Age: 37 and 2
Profession: Teacher
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: Harry Topp (1892-1986)
Relationship to subject: Great-grandfather
Profession: Farmer
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 2nd Light Horse Regiment
‘There was a famous Turkish saying hanging on our wall at home. It read: “Don’t be a slave, be free!” My father said he wanted to teach us how bad captivity is and the importance of freedom.’
Descendant: Timsal Karabekir
Age: 73
Profession: -
Nationality: Turkish
Ancestor: Kazim Karabekir (1882–1948)
Relationship to subject: Father
Profession: Soldier
Army: Ottoman Army
Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 14th Infantry Division, Fifth Army
‘When he came back, some kids let firecrackers off in our street . . . my father nearly died! My mum had him sit in the gutter to recover. They were very frail when they came back.’
Descendant: Jeanette Kate Rembowski
Age: 93
Profession: Bookkeeper, records officer (retired)
Nationality: Australian
Ancestor: William Henry Hodson (1888–1946)
Relationship to subject: Father
Profession: Master bricklayer
Army: Australian Imperial Force
Post in Gallipoli: 2nd Infantry Battalion