Feedback for ANZAC study tour to Turkey 2014 Name: Moreen Hedley 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? It seems to me that Turkey is a country that has endured changes in its past history and that these changes have allowed modern Turkey to be a country that is tolerant and receptive to new ideas. Turkey’s rich history of changes has left its mark on the landscape but I also think that it has made the people of Turkey who they are today – resilient, accepting of differences, striving to be successful and always welcoming. What did you enjoy most about some of the sights/historical locations you visited while on this study tour? Each of the places that we visited had its own uniqueness. The city of Istanbul has so many places to visit that one would need to be there for an extended stay. The wonders of Istanbul (Blue Mosque, Basilica Cisterns, and Sophia Hagia) are outstanding places for first time visitors but so are the quiet little backstreet places hidden from view where one can sit and enjoy chai. Oh the chai….why is it that chai does not taste the same here in NZ. Bursa with its examples of buildings in the older parts of the city was also a highlight. I would certainly go back to spend more time wandering in amongst the ancient buildings and sitting and sharing chai all round. 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 this tour – both from Manurewa Intermediate School and Papatoetoe Intermediate: There was definitely a shift in the way we all interacted towards each other. When we were involved in the language sessions there was definitely a “them” and “us” attitude. How travel changes these attitudes! I know that we have developed a very close relationship with Papatoetoe Intermediate which I hope will continue to be fostered. It was such a pleasure to watch the kids and the way they developed their friendships as
we got to know each other. Getting to know all the adults on the trip was great and strong relationships have been fostered. Tell me about some of the ways you built relationships with the Turkish people you met and interacted with: The love, friendship and generosity of our host families was over whelming. They welcomed us with open arms and I know they went out of their way to give us experiences that we will not forget. I only wished that we were able to converse with more of our host families. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with our host in Bursa about rugby and the All Blacks – what a connection! The hospitality of our hosts was a highlight for me and if Taner needed a host family in Auckland then I would be happy to oblige. 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? • •
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Turkish people we met on our journey were generous and wanted to be of help Their religion is so visible – getting ready for prayer was seen everywhere we went – wet bathrooms after the women had cleaned themselves ready for prayers The people are proud of their heritage The importance of showing hospitality was apparent everywhere we went There was evidence of strong family ties – Yasir and Hufsar were examples of strong family support Chai was such a feature in everyone’s lives – loved that it was celebrated as important - not just drunk from a ceramic mug but from glass vessels There was evidence of antiquity everywhere – it made me realize that New Zealand has such a young history in comparison with Turkey Turkish culture is tolerant of other cultures Turkey seems to be driven to modernise her country Religion plays a pivotal role in the lives of the people
Why is it important to appreciate and understand different cultures? Acceptance of another culture and embracing the differences of each culture is important. We need to find out about each culture and we need to be tolerant of our differences if we are to co-exist in harmony with each other. How did this trip help you do this? Being immersed in another culture as we were allowed us to experience some real differences and it is through these experiences that acceptance is shown. We cannot be in another country and not be tolerant of differences. Lessons are learnt through experiences and these experiences can only come if we are immersed in the culture – being in Turkey!
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? • • • • •
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First ANZAC Day was commemorated in 1916 Day set aside to mark the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers (ANZACs)on Gallipoli Peninsular in 1915 We commemorate a period of history that was doomed to fail from the beginning of the campaign Many lives were lost and these brave soldiers were from colonies of the British Empire, Great Britain, France and Turkey From the tragedies that unfolded was the forging of a strong bond between Australia and New Zealand that has survived to this day (except in sporting competitions) Even though we were defeated the Gallipoli debacle forged in New Zealanders a sense of nationalism that has remained strong Previously, the attendance at ANZAC services had lost favour with New Zealanders but there has been a rival of national pride and now many young people are recognising the importance of honouring our men and women who went to war The spirit of forgiveness by the people of Turkey and honouring our soldiers so far away from their families lives on in the words below: You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace, after having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well." Ataturk, 1934
What did it mean to you to attend the ANZAC Day ceremonies at Gallipoli? For me the involvement I have personally had with ANZAC Services (getting our kids to the services and organising them to turn up even during school holidays) culminated in the presence of our four students from Manurewa Intermediate School, Mel Bland and I at Gallipoli. We were so very privileged to be part of the official party with all of its associated benefits – a huge bus to ourselves and sitting three rows from the front and two rows behind our Governor General. Someone has some seriously good contacts – thank you Taner. The atmosphere at North Beach was so sombre – people talking quietly, contemplating and just sitting as I was in awe of what might lie ahead. Short films and roll of honour was shown as we waited for dawn and the commencement of the service. I looked ahead and contemplated what it must have been like for our soldiers and the carnage they were about to face ninety nine years ago on and around the beaches of ANZAC cove.
There was a sense of anticipation and even of expectancy as the waves of the Bosporus gently lapped on the beach. A bright beam shone on the shore showing but a small window of the beach below. Was this what it was like for the soldiers before all hell broke loose on 25 April, 1915.There was an eerie silence that surrounded us all as we waited for the service to begin. To be surrounded by so many people who had made the effort or were privileged enough to be at Gallipoli was inspiring. To see so many young New Zealanders and Australians so far away from home showing their pride in their two countries made one proud to be a New Zealander. The service in all three locations were inspirational and made you think about the sacrifices of our men and women who served and are serving in our armed forces and especially those men and women so were not the lucky ones – the ones left behind. I wanted to sing our national anthem using my booming voice only to sing quietly as I was unable to sing through the tears. I wanted to sing “Now is the hour”, to show how proud I am as a New Zealander only to sing with a trembling voice made quiet through shedding more tears. You could not help being emotional, tears were shed as we listened to the words of the speakers who made you aware of the sacrifice of our soldiers who would forever be in the care of Turkey. "Tread softly as you leave because you are walking where our ancestors fought and now lie in peace" ran through my mind as I bent down and picked up a pebble. I know that our kids were certainly mindful of where they were and where they were walking. This was a trip to be forever remembered by all who were privileged enough to be chosen from so many so are also worthy of the opportunity we were given. My utmost thanks go to all who have made this amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to take place - our schools and the many people who were involved here as well as in Turkey. Thank you for your love and friendship and thank for looking after us. Fakaue lahi mahaki. (Niue Island)
Please provide any feedback that would help the Pearl of the Islands Foundation make this a better trip for students: Refer to Mel Bland’s feedback. -
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School feedback – it was very important that parents were informed via ANZAC Study Tour Facebook page as this informed our parents as to what the kids were doing. There needs to be a technically savvy person who accompanies the group from each school
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Maybe there needs to be limited personal contact with families – less SKYPE as being in constant contact with families does not allow our kids to be fully independent – it also took up time that was needed to rest and sleep so we could be ready for the next day and our next adventure I felt that the updates on the Facebook page should have been sufficient for our parents to be informed and waylay their concerns