Anzac Cove

Nestled on the west coast of Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula, Anzac Cove holds a special place in the hearts of Australians and New Zealanders. It was here that the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on April 25, 1915, marking the beginning of a long and bloody campaign during World War I.

This 600-meter-long stretch of sand, flanked by the headlands of Ari Burnu and Hell Spit, served as the main base for the Australian and New Zealand troops throughout the eight-month Battle of Gallipoli. The cove was designated “Anzac Cove” by General Birdwood on April 29, 1915. Located within a kilometer of the front line, it was well within the range of Turkish artillery and forces positioned on the high ground of Plugge’s Plateau.

In addition to being the site of General Birdwood’s headquarters, Anzac Cove hosted two field hospitals at either end and four floating jetties for supply landings. Three wireless radio stations were also established here, ensuring communication with the Allied fleet.

Anzac Cove was relatively sheltered from the shells fired by the Chanak forts and the Turkish battleships Torgat Reiss and Hayreddin Barbarossa, anchored in the Dardanelles. However, it was partially exposed to Turkish troops stationed at the well-concealed battery at Gaba Tepe, known as “Beachy Bill.” Despite the danger, Anzac Cove remained a favored spot for ANZAC soldiers to swim and relax, with many simply doing their best to ignore the shelling.

Originally, the Anzac Day Dawn Service was held at Ari Burnu Cemetery within Anzac Cove. However, by 1999, the growing number of attendees at the annual remembrance necessitated a move. In the following year, a purpose-built Anzac Commemorative Site was established at nearby North Beach, where the Anzac Day dawn service has been held ever since.

It wasn’t until Anzac Day in 1985 that the name “Anzac Cove” was officially recognized by the Turkish government, reflecting the mutual respect that exists between Turks, Australians, and New Zealanders today. Anzac Cove is now protected within the Gelibolu (Gallipoli) Peninsula Historical National Park, which is managed by the Turkish government.