Talks start to bring war veteran turtle to Turkey

ÇANAKKALE - Anatolia News Agency

The turtle, which has been taken under protection in Britain for many years since the Dardanelles War, may return to its homeland, Turkey, after a series of talks.

A turtle once taken from Gallipoli Peninsula to Britain by a British soldier during the Dardanelles War may return to its homeland, according to Çanakkale Mayor Güngör Azim Tuna.

“They have been taking care of the turtle there for many years. It is very old now. We have demand they bring it back to Turkey, [but] we are still in talks,” Tuna said.

The turtle’s return to Turkey is of great importance for the year 2015, which is the 100 anniversary of the War of Dardanelles. “Maybe in 2015, maybe before 2015 we will be able to bring the turtle to Turkey. It is a symbolic thing but it is very important since [the gesture] will contribute to peace and friendship on the 100th anniversary of the wars. In order to highlight the concept of ‘peace’ we want to bring our turtle to its home,” Tuna said.