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Mustafa Kemal AtaturkPrint Page Print this page

11-July-2022
11-July-2022

Photographs supplied by Chris Abbott

The sculpture commemorates Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, commander in chief of Turkish forces in Gallipoli during World War One. 

Kemal Ataturk was commander of the 19th Division, the main reserve of the Turkish Fifth Army, at Gallipoli in 1915 which opposed the ANZAC landing in April. His superb grasp of strategy and ability to inspire his troops by his reckless bravery in action boosted Turkish morale and proved decisive in thwarting allied plans. The anti-Ottoman government bestowed the title of Ghazi (victorious) on Kemal as he had the vision to bring Turkey on par with twentieth–century western countries. Turkey became a republic in 1923 and Kemal became the first president.

During his 15-year rule, many sweeping changes were introduced to the political, legal and socioeconomic fields. He was an immortal hero to his people and an extraordinary leader and peacemaker. Kemal said in 1933, "I look to the world with an open heart full of pure feelings and friendship". In 1934, he accepted the title "Atatürk" (father of the Turks).

Location

Address:Boardwalk from Albany to Middleton Beach, near Point King Lighthouse, Albany, 6330
State:WA
Area:Foreign
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -35.035364
Long: 117.917171
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Sculpture
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Foreigners
Actual Event Start Date:04-August-1914
Actual Event End Date:28-June-1919
Designer:Howard & Associates
Artist:Burhan Alkar

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Wednesday 25th April, 2001
Front Inscription

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

Peace at home.

Peace in the world

Right Side Inscription

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881 - 1938)

Founder of the modern Republic of Turkey.

Commander in Chief of the Turkish forces in Gallipoli.  His famous words are: Peace at home peace in the world

At a dawn service in 1934 in Gallipoli referring to the ANZAC troops he said :

" Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives ...
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the
Johnnies and Mehmets to us where they lie side by side ....
You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away
countries. Wipe away your tears, your sons are now lying in
our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives
they are now our sons as well."

Sculpture by Burhan Alkar
Architects : Howard and Associates
Supported by : Turkish Prime Ministerial Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey,
City of Albany and Australian Government.
Donated to the City of Albany by Turkish Australian Culture House.Inc. Perth, 25 April. 2001

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au