Foreign soldier cemeteries in Gallipoli, repairs after wildfire damage ahead of ANZAC Day ceremonies
Restoration and cleaning work being carried out at the cemetery and monument of foreign soldiers, which were damaged in the large forest fire that broke out on August 15th last year in the Historic Gallipoli Peninsula, located within the borders of Eceabat district in Canakkale, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
Work is underway to restore cemeteries and memorials dedicated to foreign soldiers who died during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I, following the devastating forest fire in Canakkale last August.
The restoration efforts aim to prepare these historical sites for the upcoming ANZAC Day ceremonies scheduled for April 24-25, 2025.
Devastating wildfires and their impact on historic sites
On August 15, 2024, a massive forest fire broke out in the Gallipoli Peninsula, which is part of the Canakkale province, severely damaging several foreign cemeteries and memorials. These cemeteries, dedicated to soldiers who perished in the Gallipoli Campaign, were part of the broader area affected by two wildfires that destroyed nearly 1300 hectares of forest and terrain between June 15 and August 15.
The fire caused extensive damage, especially to four foreign cemeteries and memorials, as well as to the British Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) storage and administrative buildings. Restoration teams were immediately deployed to begin the recovery process.
Efforts to revive Gallipoli foreign soldier cemeteries and memorials
In response to the damage, restoration teams have been working tirelessly to repair and renew the affected areas. Plant life, stones, and other elements of the memorials are being tended to, with landscaping and replanting efforts ongoing. This work aims to restore the region in time for the centennial ceremony of the Gallipoli Campaign, to be held in 2025.
Burak Gundogan, Country Director of the British Commonwealth War Graves Commission, shared details of the ongoing work: “We are working with full force to return the cemeteries to their former state. Although most of the damage was to the stones, we have already replanted new vegetation and are in the process of repairing the stones. Some cosmetic fixes remain, and we are confident that by the time of the ANZAC Day ceremonies, everything will be ready.”
Restoring historical integrity of Gallipoli
The restoration efforts are being carried out by a team of skilled artisans, including stone masons, gardeners, and landscape experts. Gundogan emphasized that while the majority of the memorials and cemeteries have been successfully revived, some stones still require cosmetic repairs. The loss to the CWGC’s operational buildings and machinery was significant, but restoration of those areas is also progressing rapidly.
“The restoration of the cemeteries is not a major financial burden, and the losses to our operational facilities will be recovered quickly. Our sites are always open to visitors, and we continue to ensure they remain accessible while we complete the necessary repairs,” Gundogan concluded.
The Gallipoli Peninsula, a key location in World War I history, continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers.
As the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign approaches, these restoration efforts are crucial to preserving the integrity and solemnity of the memorials and cemeteries for future generations.
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