It was also very moving to see some of the Turkish cemeteries and to see how many Turks died defending their homeland. All of this death was such a waste and even more so in such a tranquil place. As we were driving along there was a fox that stopped us and begged for water. Luckily someone ahead of us had water to give her. Our last stop was a really good look out where Ataturk directed the defence of the various ridges. We could see why as the view was fantastic.
We made our way up the escarpment and stopped at a few more memorial cemeteries. The cemeteries were really well maintained and very nicely done. It was really sad to see all the names and ages of the dead soldiers though. We were lucky as we only saw one group of people at the cemetery and we still managed to have it to ourselves for some of the time. We also went to look at the trenches where the Turkish troops set up their defences at the top of the ridges. As we were walking through the trenches a Turkish family joined us and we had a lovely conversation with them. It made it a much richer experience being able to speak to that family as we got a different perspective.
We continued exploring Anzac Cove and one of the other cemeteries right on the beach. It was very peaceful and gave us some time to think and appreciate it while paying our respects.
We all came to Anzac Cove together in the morning to have take a bit more time. We started at the beach cemetery which also had a concrete machine box which had fallen down on to the beach. The girls were really interested in the history but they also enjoyed looking at the beach and water. They found some interesting shell impressions on them.
We went to visit Anzac Cove after dinner just before the sun started to set. We were just about the only ones there and it was such a peaceful place. Such a contrast to what it would have been when the Anzacs landed and the months of trench warfare there. It was really beautiful there and because of the beauty so much sadder to see all the graves. The words from Ataturk were so poignant but also appropriate. We were so privileged to have the opportunity to visit.
Once we unpacked we went for a walk along the shore of Eceabat which sits on the straights of the Dardanelles Strait. It was really windy but we didn't find as it was really surreal to be there. So much history surrounded us and a Turkish navy destroyer cruising by reminded us of the continued importance of the straits. It was really great to be there and be able to walk along the foreshore to a restaurant right on the water.
