Being an ex-serviceman, I’ve always wanted to go to Gallipoli for Anzac Day. In 2018, my wife and I ticked that wish off my bucket-list. I thought I knew a bit of the history around this campaign, but I was in for a surprise.

We were very lucky to have Hasan as our guide for this part of our tour. Unfortunately, due to security arrangements, Hasan was unable to accompany us for the overnight vigil, but it was not through his lack of trying! He met us again at Chunuk Bair after the Anzac Day commemorations, and we were taken back to Anzac Cove to retrace our steps and given such an in-depth account of the campaign, I wished I could’ve stayed for another week listening to Hasan. His knowledge of the area, the battle sites, the cemeteries and memorials was amazing. He gave us an insight as to what the Turkish forces were also going through. A thought-provoking point often overlooked by Kiwis and Aussies who go to Gallipoli. His commentaries were very informative and non-biased.

He also took us to other sites that we would not have known about as first-time visitors. The impressive Canakkale Martyrs Memorial at Cape Helles, the Twelve Tree Copse Cemetery where 179 New Zealanders are buried, and the amazing Alçıtepe live history gallery, an outside museum depicting a Turkish Hospital during the Gallipoli campaign. He described what the significance of every site was and the importance placed on it. There are many stories on the pillars of the Canakkale Martyrs Memorial, and Hasan explained each and every one to us.

As much as I would have loved to stay and see more with Hasan, our tour did not allow the time. This means I’ll just have to go back to Turkey and book Hasan for another week or so. I know I won’t be disappointed, and I can thoroughly recommend him to anyone else looking for a friendly and professional guide.

Mike and Chris K.