Commemorations ‘safe from terrorism’
New Zealanders travelling to Gallipoli have been assured they will be safe from terrorism at the centenary commemorations, with the region’s governor describing it as “one of the most secure places in the world”.
Ahmet Cinar said Turkey’s strong stance against terrorism would protect it from such an attack.
Security will be tight as world
Once the Dawn Service finishes and the VIP guests have left, attendees will be released in stages to trek to their next service.
An Australian memorial service will be held at Lone Pine. The Battle of Lone Pine was one of the most famous assaults of the Gallipoli campaign and resulted in more than 2000 Australian casualties. Attendees will have to walk 3.1km up Artillery Rd, unsealed and steep in places.
At 1.45pm local time, a New Zealand service will be held at Chunuk Bair, scene of one of the most significant stands by the Kiwi troops.
Chunuk Bair is a further 3.3km uphill from Lone Pine but the road leaders and royalty, including Prince Charles and Prince Harry, descend on the province to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
“Clearly, we don’t expect [an attack],” Mr Cinar said. “Canakkale is, both in Turkey and in the world, one of the most secure places.
“Turkey’s security units have a lot of experience in information collation, information gathering, and the security issues. There is is sealed. This road is also steep in places, with a total elevation of 260m.
At Chunuk Bair attendees will be screened again and move to a holding area next to the ceremony site. It is likely people will have to wait several hours before they can get into the site.
The delay is due to a major Turkish memorial service which involves 12,000 scouts undertaking a pilgrimage following in the steps of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, first leader of the Republic of Turkey.
Once the Turkish memorial finishes attendees will be able to enter the commemorative area where there will be limited seating. Only those with a specific pass can attend enormous experience in the security units of Turkey. Everything is very carefully thought of and very carefully planned.”
Authorities in the area had experience from previous years, and similar security measures would be in place.
“Security-wise, all kinds of precautions, all kind of measures have been taken,” he said. “There won’t be any risk.” the Chunuk Bair service, where Prime Minister John Key will speak.
After the New Zealand service finishes, attendees will start to leave the peninsula. As the one-way road is narrow, there will be a staged release of buses. Those at Lone Pine will be picked up first, followed by people at Chunuk Bair.
Information screens at the pick-up points will show bus numbers which will match with the tag given to attendees at Akbas.
With 450 buses to fill, it could be a long wait, but food vendors will provide refreshments. Attendees must not leave the site of their last service — buses will not wait.