Image Source: International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT)
The IIPT Kepez Olive Peace Park was inaugurated on April 23, 2025, by the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT) in collaboration with the municipality of Kepez-Canakkale, Turkey. The inauguration took place during Turkey's National Sovereignty and Children's Day, which represented an important milestone in fostering peace, reconciliation, and intercultural friendship at a historically and symbolically rich location.
Key Points
Historic and Symbolic Location
The Peace Park lies on the Dardanelles foreshore, which looks out over the Gallipoli Peninsula-a significant World War I battlefield between Turkey, England, Australia, and New Zealand.
The location is now a symbol of the shift from war to lasting respect, reconciliation, and friendship between former enemies.
Dedication Ceremony and International Participation
The dedication ceremony was honored by principal dignitaries, including:
Mayor Birol Arslan of Kepez-Canakkale
Representatives from the Australian Embassy
Timothy Marshall, Board Chairman of IIPT
Gail Parsonage, IIPT Australia President
Jovan Popescu, President of IIPT Serbia
Andreas Larentzakis, Executive Director of IIPT
The ceremony fell on National Sovereignty and Children's Day, and the focus was on the future peacebuilders' role as children.
Cultural Celebrations
Children from North Macedonia, Canakkale, and Bulgaria performed dances and songs, representing unity and the future of peace by the next generation.
Recognition and Partnerships
The Iris Hotel Canakkale received membership in the IIPT Global Peace Hotels network, reinforcing further the area's dedication to peace tourism.
The ceremony sealed IIPT's partnership with Turkey, paving the way for joint effort in the fields of peace and sustainable tourism in the future.
Global Peace Park Initiative
The Kepez Olive Peace Park becomes part of a network of more than 450 IIPT Global Peace Parks around the world.
The project aims to:
Create peace and harmony locally and globally
Increase awareness and commitment to peace and environmental sustainability within the community
Create a shared space for reflection, celebration, and connection with the earth
Emphasize tourism's contribution to a more peaceful, sustainable future for all.
Historical Context and Atatürk's Vision
The timing and geography of the event are closely connected to the history of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the modern founder of Turkey, who devoted April 23 to children as the future of the country and world peace.
The change of Gallipoli from a place of tragedy to one of friendship serves to reinforce Atatürk's message: "Peace in the Nation, Peace in the World".
Conclusion
The opening of the IIPT Kepez Olive Peace Park in Turkey is a moving symbol of reconciliation, hope, and the continued pursuit of peace through tourism and cultural exchange. By uniting disparate communities and paying tribute to the next generation, the effort sows seeds of peace that resonate far beyond the Dardanelles.
Sources: eTurboNews, LinkedIn
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