Visit to Gelibolu by G&DI as part of the Joint Commemoration of the Gallipoli Centenary

In the company of Dr Haldun Solmazturk and President Suleyman Tas of Gelibolu Dernegi (Gallipoli Association of Turkey), our UK Group embarked on a cultural tour of the town. This town was the headquarters of General Von Sanders during the Gallipoli Campaign and the name of the campaign was derived from it.
We visited a memorial to the ‘White Russians’ who died in exile whilst living in Gelibolu from 1920 – 1923. It was rebuilt in 2008 by the Russian Federation and considered as a symbol of Russia’s reconciliation with its past.
This was followed by a visit to a building reserved for cultural exhibitions of ;’Whirling Dervishes’ (Mevlevi). It is a form of spell binding worship. Its followers dressed in long white dresses, whirling ecstatically often for a quarter of an hour at a time, to the drones of ancient Islamic hymns. A most interesting and enlightening visit.
Then a visit to a French Cemetery for the French that died here during the Crimean War when the British and French were allies.
We paid a visit to the Civic Centre where G&DI was launched in September 1913.
Next to this Centre we visited ‘Gelibolu Savas Muzesi’ museum. The building was originally the home of the White Russian General from 1920-1923. An impressive museum with many historic items on display from the Gallipoli Campaign. We thank Olcay Ak for his warm welcome.
A visit was made to an ancient building which was originally part of a Bizantine Fort. It is now dedicated to the memory of ‘Piri Reis’ the great Ottoman Admiral and cartographer. He compiled an amazingly detailed world map in 1513.
Onwards to a memorial dedicated to Suleyman Pasa who lived from 1316-1359. He achieved many victories against the Byzantines including the Gallipoli peninsular which paved the way to the eventual defeat of Constantinople in 1453.
On to a holy grotto where it is customary to buy a flag and make a wish which we all did. Lunch followed in a local café where many local people turned out to welcome us. It was a wonderful experience.
We then had an informal meeting with our Patron the Mayor of Gelibolu Mr Mustafa Ozacar. The President of G&DI then presented him with a framed map of the Gallipoli Campaign. The oldest member of our group Arthur Coxon was able to meet the Mayor for the first time.
It was a very full and extremely interesting day for which G&DI give their grateful thanks to Dr Haldun Solmazturk and President Suleyman Tas. Our UK group are greatly indebted to them for a well organised and very informative day.

Links:
http://www.radikal.com.tr/…/gallipoli-and-dardanelles-inte…/

http://www.gelibolugaste.com/…/gallipoli-and-dard…/9324.html

http://www.gelibolu.bel.tr/bpi.asp?caid=171&cid=2207