A monument to the Martyrs of Gallipoli, who, like members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, laid down their lives for freedom during the First World War, now stands at the Trail of the Caribou Memorial Park beside Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John’s.
The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; Her Honour, The Honourable Judy M. Foote P.C., O.N.L., Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador; and His Worship Danny Breen, Mayor of the City of St. John’s welcomed Mr. Ahmet Yildiz, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Republic of Türkiye; Her Excellency, Esra Demir, Ambassador of the Republic of Tűrkiye to Canada, Mr. Ilhami Aktaş, Governor of Çanakkale, Tűrkiye and Mr. İsmail Kaşdemir, President, Gallipoli Historic Site to unveil the monument at a special ceremony this evening.
The installation of the Turkish monument completes a reciprocal agreement between Newfoundland and Labrador and the Republic of Türkiye, which included the unveiling of the sixth and final statue on the Trail of the Caribou in Gallipoli in September 2022. The City of St. John’s supported the project by providing the land for the Turkish monument.
The front of the monument features the undulating Turkish flag and its profile at the back refers to the Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial. References to the topography of the region and poppies appear toward the pedestal of the monument, and a shape resembling an open window at the top symbolizes a horizon and a road of peace and friendship between Gallipoli and St. John’s.
Quotes
“We are honoured to display this beautiful memorial to the Martyrs of Gallipoli, who bravely fought with the same sense of bravery and purpose as ‘Our Own’, the members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. We remember them together here at the Trail of the Caribou Memorial Park, just as the men from our two nations made the ultimate sacrifice together on the battlefields of the First World War.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“I am deeply honoured to attend the official unveiling ceremony of our Monument in St John’s, dedicated to the memory of our Çanakkale Martyrs. This project was made possible with the joint efforts and close cooperation between Türkiye and Canada. We are thankful to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as each and every person who contributed along the process. I believe that this monument will be a symbol of our strong ties and inspire our peoples, especially young generations, to learn more about our common history and the sacrifices made by our ancestors.”
Mr. Ahmet Yildiz
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Republic of Türkiye
“The City of St. John’s is honored to donate the land for this incredibly meaningful monument that pays tribute to the brave Martyrs of Gallipoli. This monument, which fittingly sits in the Trail of the Caribou Memorial Park, will serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by both our nations during World War I, creating a bond based on history and the courageous actions of those who gave their lives.”
His Worship Danny Breen
Mayor of the City of St. John’s
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Learn more
Newfoundlanders Honoured in Gallipoli with Dedication of Final Caribou Monument
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