Celebrating International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace<\/strong><\/p>\n I am so pleased to share the news that IIPT is being recognized by Finn Partners Global Travel: \u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cToday, FINN Partners Global Travel is honouring the parts tourism and diplomacy play in fostering global peace. We are thrilled to collaborate with organisations who pave the way to make the world a better place: one of which is the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT)<\/a> and their latest initiative\u2014the IIPT Olive Peace Park in Canakkale, T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n The IIPT Olive Peace Park, inaugurated in collaboration with Birol Arslan, Mayor of Kepez, Canakkale, stands as a beacon of hope for unity. This park joins over 450 IIPT Peace Parks worldwide, each dedicated to nurturing peace and understanding through tourism.<\/p>\n Tourism is a crucial part of cultural exchange and understanding, bridging cultural gaps and promoting mutual respect and understanding among global communities. Travel brings people together, creating opportunities for important dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation.<\/p>\n As we celebrate this day, we want to emphasize the power tourism yields as a force for peace.<\/p>\n Together, we can build a more empathetic and peaceful world.\u201d<\/p>\n IIPT KEPEZ OLIVE PEACE PARKS<\/strong><\/p>\n IIPT- The International Institute for Peace through Tourism and Mayor Birol Arslan of Kepez-Canakkale Turkiye, dedicated the IIPT Kepez Olive Peace Park on 23rd<\/sup> April 2025 which coincided with the National Sovereignty and Children\u2019s Day in Turkiye.<\/p>\n The location of the Peace Park along the foreshore of the Dardanelles looks on to the Gallipoli Peninsula which was a major theatre of war during World War 1, especially between the English, Australia, New Zealand and Turkiye. However, after 110 years, the adversity between these countries has been replaced with respect, reconciliation, peace and friendship, which are the principles and objectives of IIPT.<\/p>\n PHOTO: April 23, 2025 \u2013 The Peace Park Celebration<\/strong><\/p>\n The Peace Park organizing committee and IIPT delegates<\/strong><\/p>\n The dignitaries which attended the official proceedings were Mayor Arslan and Municipal Members from Kepez Canakkale; Meridian Biziak, representing the Australian Embassy; Timothy Marshall, Chairman of the IIPT Board; Gail Parsonage, President, IIPT Australia; Jovan Popescu, President, IIPT Serbia and Andreas Larentzakis IIPT Executive Director.<\/p>\n As the day was also the Turkiye National Childrens Day, the event featured vocal and dance performances by the children of Canakkale, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. It was a true representation of bringing together peace and friendship through the children of the world.<\/p>\n That evening a dinner was hosted by Mrs. Ruveyde Ergon, owner of the Iris Hotel Canakkale, for the Mayor and the Official Party and the organising committee headed by Andreas Larentzakis IIPT Executive Director and Sevil \u00d6ren Konachi IIPT Representative Turkey. Iris Hotel was also awarded membership to IIPT Global Peace Hotels.<\/p>\n PHOTO \u2013 MAYOR BIROL, MRS. ERGON (OWNER OIF IRIS HOTEL) TIMOTHY MARSHALL, ANDREAS LARENTZAKIS<\/strong><\/p>\n Timothy Marshall, IIPT Chair brought greetings on behalf of IIPT founder Mr. Lou D\u2019Amore and Global President Mr. Ajay Prakash. Mr Marshall stated that \u201cOur presence here today is to salute the important recognition of children in Turkiye and around the world, to formalize our partnership with Turkiye, and to lay the groundwork for great collaboration in the months and years to come.<\/p>\n The IIPT Kepez Olive Peace Park \u2013 Canakkale, Turkiye, joins over 450 IIPT Global Peace Parks with the objective to:<\/p>\n Nurture the growth of peace and understanding, at home and throughout the world; Enhance awareness of a community\u2019s commitment to peace and a healthy environment; Create common ground for the community to come together in celebration of their nation\u2019s people, land and heritage; and to reflect on the connectedness to planet earth and the key role of Tourism in contributing to a more sustainable and peaceful world.<\/p>\n Gail Parsonage was one of the IIPT reps who received a plaque of appreciation from the Mayor of Kepez and local dignitaries<\/strong><\/p>\n The ANZAC Dawn Service on April 25th<\/sup> at Galipoli<\/strong><\/p>\n PHOTO: The ANZAC Dawn Service <\/strong><\/p>\n ANZAC stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corp<\/strong><\/p>\n The Anzac dawn service has been commemorated every year since the Allied Forces landed on Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.<\/p>\n Each year thousands of\u00a0 Australians and Kiwis\u00a0 descend on\u00a0 this sacred site to remember and commemorate the lives lost and casualties of all the soldiers, including those from the Ottoman Army.<\/p>\n Each year with the grace and permission of the Turkiye Government and the people of Turkiye, past enemies are welcomed as friends and both sides demonstrate the respect, reconciliation, peace and friendship each side has towards each other.<\/p>\n WHAT RECONCILIATION LOOKS LIKE <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n A MOMENT OF WAR BETWEEN ANZAC (AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND ARMY CORP) AND THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE, WORLD WAR 1 – 1914-1918<\/strong><\/p>\n Features original soldiers and their direct descendants. <\/strong><\/p>\n PHOTO EXHIBITION AT CANAKKALE, TURKIYE <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Idris Charles Pike 17th<\/sup> Battalion Australian Imperial Force\u00a0 – 1915<\/strong><\/p>\n Idris Erie Murphy \u2013 Grandson of Idris Charles<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIn his letter to his sweetheart, my grandfather cites a letter they received from the Turkish soldiers written in French, thrown into the Australian trenches: \u201cOur friends, The Enemy, we received your preserved meat and in return we have sent some tobacco but would appreciate if you could please send some souvenirs and in return we will do the same. Signed: From you soldier friends, the Turks.\u201d<\/p>\n Izzettin Calislar, Chief of Staff of the XIXCorps and Anafartalar Group, Fifth Ottoman Army \u2013 1915, Izzettin Calislar \u2013 Grandson of Izzettin <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhat brought the Anzacs and the Turks together were external forces.\u00a0 After the war, the value of appreciating the peace was born.\u00a0 That is why both sides understand each other and do not consider each other as enemies.\u00a0 The unique bond between these nations was quickly established and was sustained.\u201d<\/p>\n IIPT Delegates were guests of honour at the Photo Exhibition held to commemorate the 110 years since the landing of Anzac Forces on Gallipoli Peninsula Turkey.<\/em><\/p>\n A SMALL GROUP TOURED TURKIYE & GREECE\u00a0 AFTER THE CEREMONY<\/strong><\/p>\n PHOTO \u2013 GAIL, ANDREAS AND TIM IN FRONT OF A MONUMENT <\/strong><\/p>\n BEARING THE WORDS OF ATATURK<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cYou are now lying in the soil of a friendly country,<\/strong><\/p>\n therefore, rest in peace.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n FOR MORE READING<\/strong> FTN news\u00a0 (News of the IIPT event published in Turkiye.)<\/p>\n \u201cPeace\u00a0park\u00a0in\u00a0Turkey opens\u00a0in<\/strong>\u00a0Kepez on Children’s Day .\u00a0 .\u00a0 .\u201d<\/p>\n KIND TRAVELLING<\/strong><\/p>\n Timothy Marshall has sent information about the work of the Kind Traveller \u2013 there is so much there, it\u2019s best to have a look at their website from time to time:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.kindtraveler.com<\/a><\/p>\n THAI PEACE FESTIVAL<\/strong><\/p>\n Juergen Steinmetz attended a festival of peace and harmony on March 30th<\/sup> and the following article is his report:<\/p>\n https:\/\/eturbonews.com\/thailand-tourism-festival-an-exercise-of-unity-peace-harmony\/<\/a><\/p>\n FROM THE EDITOR<\/strong><\/p>\n I had the opportunity to visit the Kroc School of Peace in San Diego, and I’m excited to share its inspiring story in our upcoming newsletter. Given the wealth of content and our recent celebration in Turkey, I’ve decided to feature the Kroc School in the next issue.<\/p>\n In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you! Please share your observations, news, and events that align with IIPT’s mission to promote travel with a peaceful intent. Your contributions will help us showcase the impact of our work and inspire others to join our efforts.<\/p>\n Bea Broda<\/p>\n Editor: IIPT Newsletter<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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\nPHOTO: Gail Parsonage, Andreas <\/strong>Larentzakis <\/strong>and Timothy Marshall in Athens<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nDiscover the Turkish Park Turning War Memories\u00a0into Peace<\/strong>\u00a0Missions – Focus on Travel News\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
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