Harry Kewel and Arda Turan, the grandsons of two nations which came up against each other in Dardanelles War, gave the message of friendship by announcing the art prize of the year to public opinion.

Galatasaray Sports Club declared they gave support willingly to the “2009 Çanakkale Art Prize” which is co-organized by Çanakkale 18 Mart University and Gallipoli Memorial Club, the headquarters of which is in Sydney Australia.

Galatasaray Sports Club, where Australian star player Harry Kewel transferred from Liverpool Football Club of England also plays, chose the “2009 Çanakkale Art Prize” to become the spokesman of Turkey-Australia friendship. The involvement process of the Prize,  which was announced to the public opinion by the press conference that was held in 11 April 2009 with the participation of the President of Galatasaray Sports Club Adnan Polat and the players, also was announced. Çanakkale Australian Consul Peter Rennert and Çanakkale 18 Mart University Rector Prof. Doc. Ali Akdemir participated in the conference that was held in Galatasaray Florya Sports Facilities alongside Adnan Polat, the President of Galatasaray Sports Club and famous players Harry Kewel and Arda Turan.

The two famous players Kewel and Arda stated that two nations which came up against each other as adversaries for the first time in Dardanelles War had been setting an example to all nations in the world today with the friendship they demonstrated and said “2009 Çanakkale Art Prize” was one of the important steps of this friendship in the art field. Kewel said ; “I’m glad of playing in Galatasaray as an Australian football player. And I’m also happy to be the envoy of Çanakkale Art Prize in this way” and added that new generations learned the spirit of Dardanelles War with this competition and will be the representatives of peace in the future.

On the other hand, famous player Arda Turan made a statement about the subject and said ; “The lands of our country is so beautiful like every other part of the world. These lands are to live in peace and tranquility, not to make wars. All people should live in an environment by taking pleasure from the beauties of the world where there are no wars.” He stated Kewel and himself were aware of their important roles in the spreading of this idea by being the representatives of peace.

The President of Galatasaray Sports Club Adnan Polat made a speech in the conference and stated that the support they gave to the “2009 Çanakkale Art Prize” was very meaningful for themselves because of many casualties his Club had in Dardanelles War. Polat mentioned the connection of Galatasaray Sports Club and High School with the Dardanelles War, the casualties they had and stated they commemorated them respectfully. He also added the friendship between the two countries developed and had been developing.

Çanakkale Australian Consul Peter Rennert said ; “ This prize is a praise dedicated to Turkish, Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought during the Dardanelles War and sacrificed their lives mostly. These heroes bequeathed an inspiration which is a very precious gift to the generations of today and future that was originated from honour, respect, courage, friendship and an unhesitant loyalty to the values of love of country.” Mr. Rennert stated Adnan Polat, Arda Turan and Harry Kewel are the envoys of friendship between Australia and Turkey.

It was declared the subject of “2009 Çanakkale Art Prize”, which a record involvement is expected, was “loyalty, respect, love of country, bravery and friendship values which was bequeathed to all mankind as the very foundation of constant peace and international freedom in the personalities of Dardanelles War heroes”.

Pre-registrations of the competition which is open for all Turk citizens above 18 years and Australian and New Zealand citizens who are inhabitants in Turkish Republic will be issued in www.GeliboluMemorial.net beginning from 18 May 2009. Işık University, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and The Association of Industrialists and Businessmen of Çanakkale (ÇASİAD) also give support to the Prize. A similar prize to Çanakkale Art Prize is also being organized in Australia under the name of “Gallipoli Art Prize”.

After the completion of the project  with the Çanakkale Art Prize, twenty paintings which won the First Prize in the competitions held in Turkey, Australia and New Zealand will be exhibited with the various exhibitions that will be hold in Turkey, Australia and New Zealand.

For detailed information
Australian Consulate Çanakkale: (Nurdan Kulluk) 0 286 218 17 21-102-   0 533 380 3635
Secretary of Organization Committee: (Özge Büyük):0 506 590 70 85