Metal objects stolen from French cemetery at Gallipoli battlefields

ÇANAKKALE – Anadolu Agency

Metal placards bearing the names of French soldiers who fell at the Battle of Gallipoli have been stolen from a cemetery in the northwestern province of Çanakkale.

The metal materials in the French cemetery and Monument at Gallipoli were stolen by unknown people. Suspects also stole a gilded emblem, as well as the satellite receiver used by the workers who stayed in a cottage near the cemetery.  

This was the second time in two months that a burglary has occurred on the historical Gallipoli peninsula. Last month, eight signboards made of bronze and a map were stolen from the cemeteries at Lone Pine, Anzac Bay, Arıburnu, Shrapnel Valley, Corntnell Steevs Post, Quins Post, The Neck and Chunk Bair. The police opened an investigation into the incident after the incident.

Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park head Ozan Hacıalioğlu said the police forces in the district and the city were coordinating to find the suspects.

Recalling that such incidents are happening for the first time in the area, Hacıalioğlu also voiced discontent over the fact that the burglary came so soon before the preparations for the ceremonies that will be held on the 100th anniversary of the Battles of Gallipoli.

“The metal letters writing ANZAC in the Anzac Bay, a portrait of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk [the founder of modern Turkey] and a plaque were also stolen. Considering that all the stolen materials are made of metal, we are focusing on the suspects attempting to sell them as scrap,” he added. The suspects also attempted to remove several other figures in the French cemetery in the Kilye Bay but left these materials.

Hacıalioğlu said they believed the suspect left the figures in their place after they found out that they were not made of metal.