Çöp is the Turkish word for garbage. Over the last couple of years, it has become painstakingly clear that the amount of assorted rubbish that is lying about everywhere, has increased quite dramatically. The opinion that this is merely the result of an increase in tourism in the region is hardly acceptable. Different historical places - and not the least important among them - are simply used as garbage dumps by the local population. And worse than that, the authorities seem to turn a blind eye to these activities. In fact, no positive action whatsoever is ever taken to stop this unacceptable kind of neglect. There is only one word for it : it is a bloody shame.

Let me give just one striking example to illustrate this : the Old Fort at Seddul Bayir is without any doubt one of the biggest monuments on the entire peninsula, not only because of WWI, but even more so as its history goes back to the late middle ages. Not longer than 2 years ago, the entire site was the object of a thorough archeological study by the university of Istanbul. Since these people finished their work however, the site has gradually become a garbage dump again. Not entirely so, that is, as the main part of the central court has been transformed into a football field. Who said something about preservation? 

To give you just an idea of the situation, let us have a look at a few historical places on the Gallipoli Peninsula that sadly suffer from this kind of neglect. Do not expect this to be anything like a complete survey : the pictures that follow are just some striking examples taken from different sectors of the old battlefield.

Admittedly, these pictures are not a pretty sight at all, and in no way do they resemble the photos that can be found in a number of tourist folders or publications about the 1915 campaign. Call it the backside of the medal if you want, not nice to look at,  but all the same a reality which deserves to be shown to the public as well.