I read the Carlyon book before I went on the tour - having now returned to the UK I am reading it again but this time it imparts a much greater poignancy and understanding.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour. Depending on time available (two days in my case) Kenan takes you to the significant locations and provides a balanced overview of the campaign. It is clear that his knowledge of the terrain and the history is second to none. Many thanks Kenan for a most enjoyable two days! Best regards, Stephen Pembury
Stephen Pembury (01.06.2013)
Fantastic
A huge thanks Kenan for your brilliant commentaries and insights from both the Turkish and ANZAC side. Freya, Jules and I felt very privileged to have you as our Guide. Your balanced historical viewpoint and knowledge was invaluable. Now back in New Zealand, we all have a different perspective on those names on the monuments we see in every Central Otago Town.
You are an International treasure.
Dr Gary Griffith (02.02.2013)
Bringing Gallipoli to life
Thank you so much Kenan for the wonderful insight that you provided into the Gallipoli campaign. Your unsurpassed knowledge of the battlefield's history brings the place to life again. It wasn't until I stood with you near Plugge's Plateau and gazed across the Monash Valley towards the front line that I truly understood the ANZAC battlefield and the trecherous nature of the terrain encountered by the diggers. The Turkish perspective was also invaluable. Keep up the good work Kenan. You are a true 'living treasure'. I will certainly recommend to others that they take the time to understand the entire campaign and not simply make the 'rushed dash' from Istanbul. Warm regards..John Miller
John Miller (02.12.2012)
New Freinds, Old Enemies
Recently we had the pleasure of a Kenan Celik tour. Kenan’s passion, expert knowledge and relaxed manner made our experience the most informative and fascinating battlefield tour imaginable. This is a must tour for anyone remotely interested in the Gallipoli (Canakkale) Campaign. Thank you, Kenan, you gave us the understanding of Australia and Turkey’s involvement and their sacrifices, because of your hard work, they will never be forgotten. Kind Regards Malcolm
Malcolm Green (06.11.2013)
Gallipoli Tour November 2013
I had the rare privilege to have Kenan for a private tour of Gallipoli this past November , being this time of the year Gallipoli was quiet and serene. I was overwhelmed with standing in the places of Lone Pine , The Nek , Quinns Post and Chunuk Bair , to hear Kenan deliver the history of all these battles and blend it with the Turkish view was a life time experience.
Kenans knowledge and experience added to the my own library of knowledge of Gallipoli.
Kenan researched a family member who arrived in the second wave at Gallipoli and we traced his footsteps from the time he hit the beach to when he was evacuated as a casualty , this was incredibly fulfilling to have a family members history come to life through Kenan.
I walked away from my Gallipoli experience with a new found knowledge and respect for the Turkish soldiers and people , Kenan breathed life into my experience and I can't thank him enough.
Martin Sanders
Martin Sanders (11.12.2013)
A Brilliant Day
We spent a day with Kenan touring the Gallipoli Peninsula and we had the most wonderful day learning the story behind the sites and getting information and insights from the Turkish and Anzac sides. We were very impressed with the knowledge and effort that Kenan showed throughout the day and we felt very privileged to learn so much from him. Thank you. It was a day we will always remember.
Kevin & Robyn (15.03.2014)
Gallipoli brought Alive
After years of researching the Gallipoli campaign in Australia, today I was humbled by your knowledge & professionalism on this topic. In Australia we were taught about our glorious Anzacs at Gallipoli, the blooding of our nation, the glorious fallen etc. Today you showed me, the whole campaign, including the magnificent Turks defending their land against the invader, (the Anzacs and others ). Make no mistake, I am a proud Australian, but I take my hat off to you Sir, I am truly humbled by my experience today and I thank you deeply. You will definitely be recommended by me to any Aussies who want to come over here to learn. P.S. Loved the Melons. Thank you so much
Dave Nelson (15.09.2012)
Many thanks
After much reading, our group of 8 Aussies learned a great deal about what it may have been like to spend 8 months on Gallipoli - for both sides of this futile conflict, our respect for the original ANZACS and Turks grew enormously. After 3 weeks in Turkey it is easy to accept Ataturk's 'Memorial to to the mothers ...'. Many thanks Kenan
Ross Grant (15.10.2012)
Gallipoli Moments
I am sitting back in New Zealand re-living our tour of Gallipoli with you this year and I can still hear you explaining what happened and how Colonel Malone was killed. You bought the battle fields alive and added an extra dimension to a wonderful but thoughtful day.
Tomorrow I am presenting my tour moments to our Church and I hope I can bring it as alive as you did.
Ian Beker (16.07.2016)
The Nek 7th August 2013
..98 years to the day I stood at ‘The Nek’ listening intently as Mr Kenan Celik OAM recounted the events that unfolded as members of the Light horse charged across this open ground to forge the name ANZAC. Gallipoli unlike most Australian’s is a distant destination we associate with our baptism as a nation. I feel fortunate to now appreciate what this phrase to truly mean, experience the challenges faced by these men first hand when warfare was deficient field radios, air support and uncompromising geography. As such, I strongly recommend all visitors wishing to receive a personalised and in-depth experience of Gallipoli, with a guide who possesses unquestionable knowledge on the Gallipoli campaign to access the services of Kenan, he won’t dissappoint.. Once again, thank you Kenan for the 9 hours you shared guiding us through the ANZAC campaign ....
Stephen King (16.08.2013)
Simply a great experience
Kenan, thanks so much for guiding us around the Gallipoli sites and explaining not only the tragedy but also the moments of humanity that happened during the heat of battle. Other people on here have commented about the depth of your knowledge and for us that was evident but the way you were able to convey it made for a special day. Your personal observations about the war were very insightful and helped us gain a better understanding of the campaign from both sides.
You've inspired me to study a significant part of our history in more depth. Our sincere thanks once again.
Rolf & Christine Winkler (17.07.2018)
Premier's Anzac Student Tour 2010
Dear Kenan
My name is Rhys Hall, I was a member of the Premier's Student Anzac Tour from Friday the 9th of April. I just wanted to thank you again for giving up your time to give us a tour of the Turkish perspective at Gallipoli, it truly was enlightening. I have now returned to Western Australia, and I will be sure to tell everyone I know of not only what an amazing experience you gave us, but of the sacrifice made by Turkish men defending their homes.
Yours Sincerely,
Rhys Hall
Rhys Hall (19.04.2010)
Wonderful insights
Kenan provided a wonderful guided experience for our group of 8 over a full day at Cape Helles and ANZAC. I would recommend some preparation before such a tour - in our case it was reading Peter Hart's book "Gallipoli" - to help place everything in context. This component of WW1 was, after all, a truly international conflict with not just the ANZACs but also soldiers from the British and French armies locked in a struggle against the defending Turks. Kenan's breadth of knowledge on subjects relating directly to the campaign and way beyond is very impressive. We really appreciated his insights and comments. Lots of people visit the Gallipoli battlefields these days, but few, I suspect, leave with the enhanced understanding that we gained as a result of Kenan's guidance. Thank you for sharing your interest and expertise.
Peter Ball (23.07.2013)
Brilliant
Professor Celik, Thank you so very much for our best day in Turkey. I could also say my saddest Mother's Day ever, touring the cemeteries and battlefields, and the monuments to men's stupidities. But my husband was so happy to see and understand one of his favorite battles so much better. I hope we get a chance to meet again!
Tawnya Hartberger (25.05.2015)
meraklı lız
sizi tanıdığım için çok mutluyum,adete anlatırken siz yaşadım o yılları..
esife ömeroğlu (25.05.2015)
It was good to see you.
Dear Cenan,
It was good to see you in the background on Tuesday 24 / 04/ 2012 on our Television coverage. You must have been guiding our media contingent on the day before ANZAC Day ? It looked to be a very pleasant day with beautiful weather there. Lest we forget.
Russell Dobson (27.04.2012)
It was a Privilege..
Thank you Mr Celik for the incredible tour last Saturday 28/01/2012..your immense knowledge on this campaign was astonishing.So much more to read up on now, you have inspired a renewed interest. From the initial charge against the 87 Turks from the flanks, to the "Beachy Bill" gun emplacement..we learned so much and now can add some perspective to this incredibly moving place and day on our calendar..Thank you Mr Celik.. the guide of the Guides !
Russell Dobson (30.01.2012)
Thanks for a great tour
Dear Mr. Celik,
From the whole Mikkelsen family, including the token New Zealander, we want to say thank you for a wonderful day (July 31, 2011) where the torrid history of the Gallipoli Peninsula was brought alive by your passion and knowledge. You turned empty fields into bloodied battlegrounds and serene coastlines into the bustling frontlines.
We will definitely be recommending others to take advantage of your great expertise.
Warm regards,
the Mikkelsens
I read the Carlyon book before I went on the tour - having now returned to the UK I am reading it again but this time it imparts a much greater poignancy and understanding. I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour. Depending on time available (two days in my case) Kenan takes you to the significant locations and provides a balanced overview of the campaign. It is clear that his knowledge of the terrain and the history is second to none. Many thanks Kenan for a most enjoyable two days! Best regards, Stephen Pembury
A huge thanks Kenan for your brilliant commentaries and insights from both the Turkish and ANZAC side. Freya, Jules and I felt very privileged to have you as our Guide. Your balanced historical viewpoint and knowledge was invaluable. Now back in New Zealand, we all have a different perspective on those names on the monuments we see in every Central Otago Town. You are an International treasure.
Thank you so much Kenan for the wonderful insight that you provided into the Gallipoli campaign. Your unsurpassed knowledge of the battlefield's history brings the place to life again. It wasn't until I stood with you near Plugge's Plateau and gazed across the Monash Valley towards the front line that I truly understood the ANZAC battlefield and the trecherous nature of the terrain encountered by the diggers. The Turkish perspective was also invaluable. Keep up the good work Kenan. You are a true 'living treasure'. I will certainly recommend to others that they take the time to understand the entire campaign and not simply make the 'rushed dash' from Istanbul. Warm regards..John Miller
Recently we had the pleasure of a Kenan Celik tour. Kenan’s passion, expert knowledge and relaxed manner made our experience the most informative and fascinating battlefield tour imaginable. This is a must tour for anyone remotely interested in the Gallipoli (Canakkale) Campaign. Thank you, Kenan, you gave us the understanding of Australia and Turkey’s involvement and their sacrifices, because of your hard work, they will never be forgotten. Kind Regards Malcolm
I had the rare privilege to have Kenan for a private tour of Gallipoli this past November , being this time of the year Gallipoli was quiet and serene. I was overwhelmed with standing in the places of Lone Pine , The Nek , Quinns Post and Chunuk Bair , to hear Kenan deliver the history of all these battles and blend it with the Turkish view was a life time experience. Kenans knowledge and experience added to the my own library of knowledge of Gallipoli. Kenan researched a family member who arrived in the second wave at Gallipoli and we traced his footsteps from the time he hit the beach to when he was evacuated as a casualty , this was incredibly fulfilling to have a family members history come to life through Kenan. I walked away from my Gallipoli experience with a new found knowledge and respect for the Turkish soldiers and people , Kenan breathed life into my experience and I can't thank him enough. Martin Sanders
We spent a day with Kenan touring the Gallipoli Peninsula and we had the most wonderful day learning the story behind the sites and getting information and insights from the Turkish and Anzac sides. We were very impressed with the knowledge and effort that Kenan showed throughout the day and we felt very privileged to learn so much from him. Thank you. It was a day we will always remember.
After years of researching the Gallipoli campaign in Australia, today I was humbled by your knowledge & professionalism on this topic. In Australia we were taught about our glorious Anzacs at Gallipoli, the blooding of our nation, the glorious fallen etc. Today you showed me, the whole campaign, including the magnificent Turks defending their land against the invader, (the Anzacs and others ). Make no mistake, I am a proud Australian, but I take my hat off to you Sir, I am truly humbled by my experience today and I thank you deeply. You will definitely be recommended by me to any Aussies who want to come over here to learn. P.S. Loved the Melons. Thank you so much
After much reading, our group of 8 Aussies learned a great deal about what it may have been like to spend 8 months on Gallipoli - for both sides of this futile conflict, our respect for the original ANZACS and Turks grew enormously. After 3 weeks in Turkey it is easy to accept Ataturk's 'Memorial to to the mothers ...'. Many thanks Kenan
I am sitting back in New Zealand re-living our tour of Gallipoli with you this year and I can still hear you explaining what happened and how Colonel Malone was killed. You bought the battle fields alive and added an extra dimension to a wonderful but thoughtful day. Tomorrow I am presenting my tour moments to our Church and I hope I can bring it as alive as you did.
..98 years to the day I stood at ‘The Nek’ listening intently as Mr Kenan Celik OAM recounted the events that unfolded as members of the Light horse charged across this open ground to forge the name ANZAC. Gallipoli unlike most Australian’s is a distant destination we associate with our baptism as a nation. I feel fortunate to now appreciate what this phrase to truly mean, experience the challenges faced by these men first hand when warfare was deficient field radios, air support and uncompromising geography. As such, I strongly recommend all visitors wishing to receive a personalised and in-depth experience of Gallipoli, with a guide who possesses unquestionable knowledge on the Gallipoli campaign to access the services of Kenan, he won’t dissappoint.. Once again, thank you Kenan for the 9 hours you shared guiding us through the ANZAC campaign ....
Kenan, thanks so much for guiding us around the Gallipoli sites and explaining not only the tragedy but also the moments of humanity that happened during the heat of battle. Other people on here have commented about the depth of your knowledge and for us that was evident but the way you were able to convey it made for a special day. Your personal observations about the war were very insightful and helped us gain a better understanding of the campaign from both sides. You've inspired me to study a significant part of our history in more depth. Our sincere thanks once again.
Dear Kenan My name is Rhys Hall, I was a member of the Premier's Student Anzac Tour from Friday the 9th of April. I just wanted to thank you again for giving up your time to give us a tour of the Turkish perspective at Gallipoli, it truly was enlightening. I have now returned to Western Australia, and I will be sure to tell everyone I know of not only what an amazing experience you gave us, but of the sacrifice made by Turkish men defending their homes. Yours Sincerely, Rhys Hall
Kenan provided a wonderful guided experience for our group of 8 over a full day at Cape Helles and ANZAC. I would recommend some preparation before such a tour - in our case it was reading Peter Hart's book "Gallipoli" - to help place everything in context. This component of WW1 was, after all, a truly international conflict with not just the ANZACs but also soldiers from the British and French armies locked in a struggle against the defending Turks. Kenan's breadth of knowledge on subjects relating directly to the campaign and way beyond is very impressive. We really appreciated his insights and comments. Lots of people visit the Gallipoli battlefields these days, but few, I suspect, leave with the enhanced understanding that we gained as a result of Kenan's guidance. Thank you for sharing your interest and expertise.
Professor Celik, Thank you so very much for our best day in Turkey. I could also say my saddest Mother's Day ever, touring the cemeteries and battlefields, and the monuments to men's stupidities. But my husband was so happy to see and understand one of his favorite battles so much better. I hope we get a chance to meet again!
sizi tanıdığım için çok mutluyum,adete anlatırken siz yaşadım o yılları..
Dear Cenan, It was good to see you in the background on Tuesday 24 / 04/ 2012 on our Television coverage. You must have been guiding our media contingent on the day before ANZAC Day ? It looked to be a very pleasant day with beautiful weather there. Lest we forget.
Thank you Mr Celik for the incredible tour last Saturday 28/01/2012..your immense knowledge on this campaign was astonishing.So much more to read up on now, you have inspired a renewed interest. From the initial charge against the 87 Turks from the flanks, to the "Beachy Bill" gun emplacement..we learned so much and now can add some perspective to this incredibly moving place and day on our calendar..Thank you Mr Celik.. the guide of the Guides !
Dear Mr. Celik, From the whole Mikkelsen family, including the token New Zealander, we want to say thank you for a wonderful day (July 31, 2011) where the torrid history of the Gallipoli Peninsula was brought alive by your passion and knowledge. You turned empty fields into bloodied battlegrounds and serene coastlines into the bustling frontlines. We will definitely be recommending others to take advantage of your great expertise. Warm regards, the Mikkelsens