By Yasemin Talat
The Johnnies and the Mehmets may have fought against each other in World War I, but the comradeship and friendship formed on the battlefields around Gallipoli continue to unite Australians and Turks today.
President of the Turkish sub-branch of the Victorian RSL, Delahey’s Ramazan Altintas, said the Johnnies and Mehmets – the Australian and Turkish soldiers – had displayed a sense of duty and courage that continued to inspire both nations.
“Yes, the Johnnies and Mehmets fought against each other in 1915.
“But the conduct of friendship and comradeship was existing amongst them all,” Mr Altintas said.
“Their camaraderie is evident in the society we live in today.”
Last week, an Australian-Turkish Friendship memorial sculpture, Seeds of Friendship, was unveiled near the Shrine of Remembrance to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
Mr Altintas said the five-year project had produced a commemoration like no other.
“With the help and support of the Australian and Turkish governments, the Australian and Turkish Friendship memorial sculpture has been erected to pay tribute to those great men on both sides, as their bravery has enabled us to become one and enjoy the freedom we have today,” he said.
Mr Altintas said the soldiers on both sides had fought gallantly and respected each other.
“The Turks knew the Australians were not the enemy,” he said.
Mr Altintas recalls stories of when the Turks called a stop to the fighting to allow the Australian soldiers to celebrate Easter and of the camaraderie shown in the exchange of food and water between soldiers.
“Let’s not take lightly the importance of the Anzac legacy,” Mr Altintas said. “Let’s remind our friends, families and especially our youth of the importance of Anzac Day and the Great War.”
Mr Altintas said the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing was a time for everyone to honour, remember and reflect with pride on the history and values that unite Australians and Turks. He said an occasion such as this would serve to promote peace and the freedom through forging links between the two cultures.
“I lived in Turkey for 22 years but I’ve lived in Australia for 44 years,” Mr Altintas said.
“I am an Australian citizen. I share with Australia the good days and the bad days. Our forefathers fought each other in Gallipoli, but now, here in Australia, their grandchildren are marrying each other and forming a new generation.”
