The Loss of World War One
The greatest misfortune of World War One fell on to the Muslims. After it, the Ottomon Chaliphate was dismantled. The Ottomons had fought along side with the German. The Germans were defeated and that spelt the end of the Ottomons.
On Monday we left Istanbul towards the south. We enjoyed the beautiful landscape until we reached a one of the most significant battlefields of the First World War Gallipoli. The Gallipoli Campaign, took place at the peninsula of Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire between 25 April 1915 and 9 January 1916. A joint British and French operation was mounted to capture the Ottoman capital of Istanbul and secure a sea route to Russia. The attempt failed, with heavy casualties on both sides. The campaign was considered one of the greatest victories of the Turks and was reflected on as a major failure by the Allies. We saw the area where the Allied forces had docked their ships.
In Turkey, the battle is perceived as a defining moment in the history of the Turkish people. The struggle laid the grounds for the Turkish War of Independence and the foundation of the Republic of Turkey eight years later under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Its a really stunning coastline. All that remains here is a few Memorials. Even the Turks claim victory the true loss of the war was to Islam. It resulted in the termination of the Khilaphate. It was after World War One that the Muslim World was split up into small countries. Driving through this area my heart was filled with grief about the great loss we experienced.
We crossed the straits of Dardanelles and enter from Europe in to Asia. The first city is Canakalle. We spent Monday evening in a hotel over looking the natural harbour of Canakalle with all many huge ships passing in close proximity.
On Tuesday and Wednesday we pass by the ruins of number of ancient cities Roman and Greek cities .i.e Pargamon, Troy, Epheses etc. It was not something that I was to enthusiastic about. But anyway it is all part of the tour package we had taken. The point that I reflect about as we passed these places is: These were all powerful nations of the past, but nothing a but mere ruins remain today on earth. So oh man! Do not be so arrogant as nothing will remain tomorrow.
As we mover along the coastline we passed through Izmir. It is the third largest city in Turkey. A beautiful city located amazingly virtually the coastline of the Asian Sea. By late afternoon we reached our destination for the next two nights, Kusidasi. A small holiday town frequented by many holiday makers from Turkey and guest from around the world.
The journey throught Turkey continues....
Yusuf Moosagie-12 July 2012