The Battle of Çanakkale/Gallipoli of 1915 was a major war effort of the British and the French Empires with the objective of capturing Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The campaign which took place on the remote Gallipoli Peninsula, in present Turkey, began with a major but unsuccessful naval assault to penetrate the Straits of Dardanelles, the major waterway to Istanbul. The following land campaign began on 25 April 1915 and concluded on 9 January 1916 with the withdrawal of the last of the troops, without reaching their objectives.

Although The Battle of Çanakkale/Gallipoli impacted many nations, it became a touchstone particularly for Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. These three countries have developed an exemplary friendship over the decades and a unique bond which grew out of the tragedy of war 100 years ago.

Thousands of people from Australia and New Zealand are still coming to Gallipoli, Turkey to commemorate their beloved ones’ fall on the other side of the world.

To acknowledge this relationship before the rest of the world, we are cordially inviting you to join us to witness this friendship that came out of a war 100 years ago.

Free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Global Voices Lecture Series, the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and the Consulates General of Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey in Chicago.