ALİ ASLAN KILIÇ / ANKARA
Today’s Zaman
A law establishing a new state agency to protect the commemorative site where every year, thousands of Australians and New Zealanders pay respect to their ancestors killed in the 1915 battle of Gallipoli during World War I, includes a ban on consuming alcohol at the site.
Parliament adopted a law to create the Çanakkale Wars Gallipoli Historic Site Administration on Thursday night. The new agency is charged with preserving the historical, cultural and spiritual value, and natural make-up of the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli peninsula in the province of Çanakkale hosts many visitors every year, including thousands of Antipodeans who gather every April at the historic site to honor their slain ancestors.
Among the regulations introduced is a prohibition on the consumption of alcohol at the site.
The new law also redefines designated areas where it is permissible to stay overnight on the historic grounds. More severe punishments for lighting bonfires outside designated zones, leaving a bonfire without extinguishing it, leaving burning cigarettes and other flammable materials as well as burning agricultural stubble and similar practices were also introduced.
Those who cause a wildfire on the peninsula may be given a prison sentence of between five and 10 years and monetary fines that are the equivalent of serving between 100 and 2,000 days in prison.
Those who deliberately set forest land on fire may receive a prison sentence of no less than 12 years and a monetary fine that is equivalent to serving between 200 and 5,000 days in prison.
If a fire is started by a member of a terrorist organization, the term of the prison sentence will be between 24 and 32 years, and the monetary fine will be between TL 500,000 and TL 1 million.
Until the new agency is fully established, the peninsula will continue to be subject to the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park and the relevant existing legislation
The Gallipoli Campaign took place on the Gallıpoli Peninsula from April 1915 to January 1916 during World War I. A joint British and French operation was mounted to capture the Ottoman capital of İstanbul and secure a sea route to Russia. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) formed the backbone of a 200,000-man, British-led army that landed at Gallipoli. The attempt failed, with very heavy casualties on both sides, and it resonated profoundly among all nations involved.
The campaign was the first major battle undertaken by the ANZAC troops and is often considered the birth of national consciousness in both Australia and New Zealand. Anzac Day, April 25, remains their most significant commemoration of military casualties.