Feedback for ANZAC study tour to Turkey 2014 Name: Alysha Hannah The ANZAC study tour to Turkey is coordinated by the Education Platform of Pearl of the Islands Foundation. This intense study-tour program involves a range of educational and cultural activities including visits to Gallipoli and participation in Anzac Day Dawn Services at Gallipoli as well as visits to major cities Istanbul, Izmir and Bursa, historical locations, museums, schools and dinner with local Turkish families and other significant buildings and places. Turkey is a country rich in history and with some truly wondrous sights to discover. This beautiful country has always attracted visitors who wish to venture into ancient history and experience the past and the present for themselves.
What are some of the things you learned about Turkey’s history? I have learnt many things. For instance I know that Turkey connects the continents of Europe and Asia. Because of its position it has been a major trade route between Europe and Asia. Because of this Cities like Bursa have been trading in silk for centuries. Istanbul was the capital city of four empires. With a population of approximately 74 million people, Turkey’s long history has influenced its people, buildings and dress. For instance the Hagia Sophia was built in 415 AD, once a church, a mosque and now a museum. It is the second largest domed building in the world second only to the Pantheon in Rome. The ancient city of Ephesus, its amphitheatres, toilets and architecture reflects its Roman history. And the City of Troy was burnt to the ground the Greeks. Above all ANZAC day is celebrated all over the world. It didn’t affect just us; it affected everyone including the Turks. Once enemies now a friend, every year Turkey hosts New Zealand and Australians at the Dawn parade service. What did you enjoy most about some of the sights/historical locations you visited while on this study tour? One of my favourite places was Ephesus and it seemed to make history come to life. The Celsius Library at Ephesus once contained hand written scrolls from ancient times until it burnt down. There were heaps of carvings around the outside of the building, with stone designs stretching across the arches. There were also a number of statues along the entrance where we posed for photos. Also our last stop at Ephesus was the grand amphitheatre which seated 24,000 people and I could just imagine the gladiators below. The Blue Mosque was huge like the Auckland Museum although much older. From a distance you could see the Blue Mosque’s dome and spires stretching up into the sky with crowds of tourists and locals surrounding the doorways and courtyard. Inside, the domes were decorated with beautiful blue, red and gold tiles. Respectful to Turkish traditions, the girls had to wear scarves and skirts which felt weird. The Blue Mosque was impressive, I enjoyed the designs and it is a place I would love to visit again.
At Izmir, the promenade was stunning as you looked out onto the Mediterranean ocean, with palm trees stretching along the walkway. It was an extremely hot day, with people fishing, there were mussel and lemon stands and we even tried the sunflower seed stand. The yummy seeds came in bags which were salted. To eat them you are supposed to crack open the shell and suck out the seed but it took too long so I just sucked the salt off the outside of the shell instead. I did enjoy trying new foods and still enjoy drinking tea in NZ! This tour has been designed and planned to strengthen existing relations with tour participants, build bridges between communities, schools and cultures.
Tell me about some of the ways you built relationships with the other students on Thousands lost their lives 87,000 Turks, 44,000 men from France and the British Empire, including 8,500 Australians. Among the dead were 2721Intermediate: Travelling and sleeping together for almost 14 days we just grew closer. Even closer to the teachers! Especially when you couldn’t easily speak Korean or Turkish. My tour buddies know I have affliction with my shoe laces; they seem to just untie themselves. The teachers were really patient especially when I broke the IPad. Ba Phong is our walking encyclopaedia. We celebrated Mrs Hedley’s Birthday. Michael won our keeping faces straight competition but only because of Miss Bland. Daetona is a selfie king and great speaker. I will always remember everyone from Manurewa Intermediate and Papatoetoe Intermediate. Plus our local Turkish tour guides.
Tell me about some of the ways you built relationships with the Turkish people you met and interacted with: Our tour buddies have been extremely friendly, kind caring and helped us translate what people were saying when needed. They are now our honorary cousins here in NZ. In most houses at least one person spoke English so talking to them was easy. To build relationships we respected their traditions by taking off our shoes at the door. Smiled, were courteous and I tried my best to speak a little bit of Turkish. These study tour aims to enable young people to develop greater appreciation and understanding of different cultures, beliefs and a newfound respect for the ANZACs as well as the Turkish soldiers.
What did you learn about the Turkish culture and beliefs? Most of Turkey’s people are of Muslims. They use the Quran, the word of god and follow the teaching of Mohammed. They pray in mosques and you could often hear the prayer being said over the loud speakers on the spires of the mosques at least a few times a day. It is respectful for women to cover their hair, arms and legs. So we often had to wear scarves and skirts in the mosques we visited. Like Maori’s on a marae it is also respectful to remove your shoes at the door.
Why is it important to appreciate and understand different cultures? Many wars started because people were greedy and wanted more land and power. Hitler wanted to create his own race and killed millions of people who he thought were different. Travelling to another country, living like them helps you appreciate them more. If you appreciate and understand another culture I think the chances of war are less.
How did this trip help you do this? I didn’t know Turkey existed until I was chosen and I didn’t really appreciate the Turkish culture until I was there. I think New Zealanders are very lucky to live in our country. It will support students to explore the history of Anzac Day and the continuing importance of New Zealand’s involvement in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions. It will provide an exciting opportunity for students to visit a World War I battlefield of significance to ANZACs and Turkish people to coincide with 2014 Anzac Day commemorations.
What do you know about the history of ANZAC Day? Along with my family, especially my Aunty I would sometimes attend the ANZAC parade but really didn’t understand why. Being chosen, meant truly understanding ANZAC day. During our studies, we learnt about World War I, World War II and Hitler. I have learnt that ANZAC day is celebrated on the first day of conflict at Gallipoli where 2,721 New Zealanders died. The conditions at Gallipoli were horrible and unfortunately their deaths, like many others, did not have any real impact on the outcome of the war. I now know more about my family who fought in both World Wars. I also know the ode of rememberance started as a promise between mates and a promise we honour today so we don’t forget.
What did it mean to you to attend the ANZAC Day ceremonies at Gallipoli? As the master of ceremonies introduced the many dignitaries from NZ, Australia and Turkey they all painted a picture in our heads of how horrible it was, the sadness and loss that came with it. But also the pride of their sacrifice in defence of our home and country. As the sun rose, you began to see all the people who had come to commemorate this occasion. The yellow jerseys of the Australians, the blue of the New Zealanders and many people wrapped in their countries flags While I didn’t get to wear by great grandfathers medals, it was a great honour because I was here representing my family’s ANZAC heroes, our school and country at the 99th dawn parade in Gallipoli. And moving forward will try to be best the best ambassador for ANZAC day there is – So I and our future generations don’t forget.
Please provide any feedback that would help the Pearl of the Islands Foundation make this a better trip for students: •
I would have liked more time looking at the places we visited
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A bigger bus to fit all our luggage
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More snack stops please.
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And some down time to do our writing.