“The most moving aspect of the Gallipoli story and the Australian - Turkish relationship is the manner in which soldiers of both countries were able to keep their humanity in the most inhumane conditions. This humanity became the seed for the remarkable respect and dignity shown not only in battle, but which gave rise to the deep bond of friendship that is as strong and vital today as it was a century ago.”
The Gallipoli legend forms part of our national identity. The relationship which has evolved between Turkey and Australia from 1915 to the present day is fundamental to the ANZAC narrative, a unique connection centred on the respect both forces developed for each other during the 1915 campaign. The Australian Turkish Friendship Memorial Sculpture, Seeds of Friendship, marks the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and pays tribute to the extraordinary origins of this a shared history.
The Project
The Gallipoli story forms the foundation of a larger dialogue about reconciliation, immigration and the forging of friendship between Australian and Turkey.
The Project
The dedication and passion of those involved in this project was instrumental in the realisation of an artistic vision.
It is with immense sadness that we acknowledge the life and legacy of Matthew Harding, the artist who has so beautifully captured the essence of the friendship between Turkey and Australia following WW1 in his sculpture, Seeds of Friendship, the Australian Turkish Friendship Memorial.
As part of the ANZAC Centenary, the sculpture was officially opened on Monday, April 13, 2015.
Selected by a judging panel of world renowned designers, the project won a place as a finalist in two categories, Service Design and Design Strategy.
