Opening
A Monumental Milestone: Over 450 IIPT Peace Parks
A monumental milestone has been reached in IIPT’s history! The Peace Parks Initiative has become a powerful global movement, with over 450 parks now spreading the message of peace and harmony worldwide. Each park represents a beacon of hope, a tangible step towards a more peaceful world, and a testament to the transformative power of positivity. Together, we’re creating a ripple effect of kindness, understanding, and unity that resonates across the globe. IIPT promises to continue to build on this momentum, inspiring a brighter future for all!
This edition of the newsletter mainly celebrates the recently inaugurated IIPT Olive Peace Park in Çanakkale, Türkiye.
Explore IIPT Peace ParksLeadership
Message from the President
Celebrating International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
I am so pleased to share the news that IIPT is being recognized by FINN Partners Global Travel:
“Today, 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) and their latest initiative, the IIPT Olive Peace Park in Çanakkale, Türkiye.
The IIPT Olive Peace Park, inaugurated in collaboration with Birol Arslan, Mayor of Kepez, Çanakkale, 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.
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.
As we celebrate this day, we want to emphasize the power tourism yields as a force for peace. Together, we can build a more empathetic and peaceful world.”
Peace Parks
IIPT Kepez Olive Peace Park
IIPT, the International Institute for Peace through Tourism, and Mayor Birol Arslan of Kepez, Çanakkale, Türkiye, dedicated the IIPT Kepez Olive Peace Park on 23 April 2025, which coincided with National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Türkiye.
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 I, especially between England, Australia, New Zealand and Türkiye. 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.
The dignitaries who attended the official proceedings were Mayor Arslan and Municipal Members from Kepez, Çanakkale; 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.
As the day was also Türkiye’s National Children’s Day, the event featured vocal and dance performances by the children of Çanakkale, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. It was a true representation of bringing together peace and friendship through the children of the world.
That evening a dinner was hosted by Mrs. Ruveyde Ergon, owner of the Iris Hotel Çanakkale, for the Mayor, the Official Party and the organising committee, headed by Andreas Larentzakis, IIPT Executive Director, and Sevil Ören Konachi, IIPT Representative Türkiye. The Iris Hotel was also awarded membership of IIPT Global Peace Hotels.
Timothy Marshall, IIPT Chair, brought greetings on behalf of IIPT Founder Dr. Lou D’Amore and Global President Ajay Prakash. Mr. Marshall stated:
Our presence here today is to salute the important recognition of children in Türkiye and around the world, to formalize our partnership with Türkiye, and to lay the groundwork for great collaboration in the months and years to come.
— Timothy Marshall, Chairman, IIPTThe IIPT Kepez Olive Peace Park, Çanakkale, Türkiye, joins over 450 IIPT Global Peace Parks with the objective to:
- Nurture the growth of peace and understanding, at home and throughout the world;
- Enhance awareness of a community’s commitment to peace and a healthy environment;
- Create common ground for the community to come together in celebration of their nation’s people, land and heritage; and
- Reflect on the connectedness to planet earth and the key role of tourism in contributing to a more sustainable and peaceful world.
Remembrance
The ANZAC Dawn Service at Gallipoli, 25 April
The Anzac Dawn Service has been commemorated every year since the Allied Forces landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.
Each year thousands of Australians and New Zealanders descend on this sacred site to remember and commemorate the lives lost and the casualties of all the soldiers, including those of the Ottoman Army.
Each year, with the grace and permission of the Government and people of Türkiye, past enemies are welcomed as friends, and both sides demonstrate the respect, reconciliation, peace and friendship each side has towards the other.
Photo Exhibition, Çanakkale
What Reconciliation Looks Like
A moment of war between the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) and the Ottoman Empire, World War I, 1914–1918. The exhibition features original soldiers and their direct descendants.
Idris Charles Pike, 17th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, 1915, and Idris Erie Murphy, grandson of Idris Charles
In his letter to his sweetheart, my grandfather cites a letter they received from the Turkish soldiers written in French, thrown into the Australian trenches: “Our 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 your soldier friends, the Turks.”
— Idris Erie Murphyİzzettin Çalışlar, Chief of Staff of the XIX Corps and Anafartalar Group, Fifth Ottoman Army, 1915, and İzzettin Çalışlar, grandson of İzzettin
What brought the Anzacs and the Turks together were external forces. After the war, the value of appreciating the peace was born. That is why both sides understand each other and do not consider each other as enemies. The unique bond between these nations was quickly established and was sustained.
— İzzettin ÇalışlarIIPT delegates were guests of honour at the photo exhibition held to commemorate 110 years since the landing of the Anzac forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Türkiye.
Travel
A Small Group Toured Türkiye and Greece after the Ceremony
After the ceremony, Gail Parsonage, Andreas Larentzakis and Timothy Marshall travelled on through Türkiye and Greece, stopping at the monument bearing the words of Atatürk: “You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country, therefore, rest in peace,” before continuing to Athens.
For more reading
News of the IIPT event was published in Türkiye: “Peace park in Turkey opens in Kepez on Children’s Day...”
Discover the Turkish Park Turning War Memories into Peace Missions (FTN News)Partners
Kind Travelling
Timothy Marshall has sent information about the work of Kind Traveler. There is so much there, it’s best to have a look at their website from time to time.
kindtraveler.comThai Peace Festival
Juergen Steinmetz attended a festival of peace and harmony on 30 March, and reported on it for eTurboNews.
Thailand Tourism Festival: an exercise of unity, peace and harmonyFrom the Editor
From the Editor
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 Türkiye, I’ve decided to feature the Kroc School in the next issue.
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.
Bea Broda
Editor, IIPT Newsletter
beabroda@gmail.com · editor@iipt.org