Wildfires are raging across Turkey, prompting authorities to take swift action to prevent the flames from reaching Anzac Cove, the site where thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers are buried. The fires have sparked concerns from both countries, with Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxon expressing their anxieties about the potential damage to the historic location.
The fires are currently burning in four provinces: Canakkale, Bolu, Izmir, and Manisa. In Canakkale, the blaze near the village of Buyukanafarta has escalated to the point where the 57th Regiment Memorial and Conkbayiri on the Gallipoli Peninsula have been temporarily closed.
Despite the intensity of the fires, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli assures that residential areas are not at risk. He stated that necessary precautions have been implemented to minimize the impact of the fires. “Thankfully, the fire was contained before reaching the 57th Regiment Memorial. No structures were damaged at Conkbayiri. Our efforts will continue through the night, but everything is going well so far. I hope to share even better news tomorrow morning,” Yumakli told reporters.
Turkish official Bekir Karacabey has shared drone footage of the wildfires on X, highlighting the efforts to gain control of the situation. “We are intervening non-stop from land and air with the guards of #YeşilVatan to bring the forest fire in Eceabat, Çanakkale under control,” he wrote. However, Yumakli has warned that the next three days of firefighting operations will be particularly challenging due to low humidity, high temperatures, and strong winds.
The Gallipoli Peninsula holds immense historical significance for Australia and New Zealand. The Anzac Cove is a testament to the sacrifices made by soldiers during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I. The Australian government estimates that over 7,200 Australian soldiers are buried at the site, with another 18,000 wounded during the campaign. The wildfires pose a significant threat to the preservation of this important historical site and a source of national pride for both countries.
Turkish authorities are working tirelessly to contain the fires, utilizing both ground and aerial resources to prevent further damage. The situation remains precarious, with the potential for the fires to spread to other areas of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Australians and New Zealanders will be watching closely as the situation unfolds and hoping for the preservation of this sacred ground.
