Kemal Atatürk Memorial, Canberra

The Kemal Atatürk Memorial in Canberra is a commemorative site on ANZAC Parade featuring a crescent-shaped wall and a bronze sculpture of the Turkish leader on a circular paved area. The grounds are surrounded by pine trees grown from seeds of the original Lone Pine at Gallipoli.

The memorial honors Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who commanded Turkish forces against ANZAC troops during the 1915 Gallipoli Campaign in World War One. The establishment of this tribute reflects how the two nations eventually moved beyond their opposing past.

The memorial embodies reconciliation between Turkey and Australia, drawing visitors from both nations who come to reflect on shared history. The dual inscriptions in English and Turkish demonstrate how former adversaries now honor each other with respect.

The memorial is freely accessible daily and sits along ANZAC Parade, a location with ample space to pause and reflect. You can walk the area at your own pace and visit nearby memorials along the same avenue.

This is the only tribute on ANZAC Parade honoring a former military opponent rather than allies or Australian soldiers, making it a truly singular gesture. The placement reflects an unusual choice to acknowledge shared loss beyond national boundaries.