Finding Gallipoli: Battlefield Remembrance and the Movement of Australian and Turkish History

This book explores how Australian and Turkish historical interpretations of the First World War Gallipoli Campaign have been shaped by travel to the battlefield for commemoration, using a cultural historical approach. It examines how cultural conceptions of travel influenced the experience of those fighting in the 1915 Battle and how new global insecurities and the withdrawal of Western troops from Afghanistan in 2021 are reflecting and influencing Australia and Turkey's social memory of their military past. It argues that travel is a key factor in influencing social change by providing distinctive ritual experiences and empowering specific carriers and custodians of social memory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of Australian and Turkish historical perspectives on the First World War Gallipoli Campaign, shedding light on the profound impact of travel to the battlefield for commemorative purposes. Through a cultural historical lens, the study embarks on a journey that begins by exploring the profound influence of cultural conceptions of travel on the experiences of the combatants in the 1915 Battle. It then proceeds to examine how the evolving global landscape, marked by new insecurities and the withdrawal of Western troops from Afghanistan in 2021, is shaping and reshaping Australia and Turkey's collective social memory of their military past. With a broad historical perspective and the author's original fieldwork and meticulous analysis of historical documents, the book offers an in-depth exploration of the dynamic processes through which cultural patterns of social memory evolve over time. It also provides a valuable mapping of how specific cultural representations from the past are reclaimed and revitalized.

At the heart of this book lies the argument that travel holds a pivotal role in driving social change by offering distinctive ritual experiences that provide unique discursive opportunities and empower specific carriers and custodians of social memory. The authors meticulously examine how these travel experiences shape and mold the narratives and interpretations of the First World War Gallipoli Campaign, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between history, culture, and memory.

Through their research, the authors highlight the ways in which travel to the battlefield for commemoration creates a sense of shared identity and collective memory among individuals and communities. They explore how these pilgrimage-like journeys bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity, and how they contribute to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage. Moreover, the book sheds light on the power of tourism and heritage sites in shaping public perceptions and attitudes toward war and conflict.

In conclusion, this thought-provoking book offers a comprehensive exploration of the ways in which travel to the battlefield for commemoration influences Australian and Turkish historical understanding of the First World War Gallipoli Campaign. It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of cultural memory, social change, and the role of travel in shaping our collective narratives. By examining the past through the lens of the present, the book encourages us to reflect on the lessons learned from history and apply them to the challenges we face today.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030988814
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022