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 Canakkale, Türkiye.
MESSAGE FROM IIPT PRESIDENT AJAY PRAKASH
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 Canakkale, Türkiye.
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.
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.”
IIPT KEPEZ OLIVE PEACE PARKS
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 April 2025 which coincided with the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkiye.
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.
PHOTO: April 23, 2025 – The Peace Park Celebration
The Peace Park organizing committee and IIPT delegates
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.
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.
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 Ören Konachi IIPT Representative Turkey. Iris Hotel was also awarded membership to IIPT Global Peace Hotels.
PHOTO – MAYOR BIROL, MRS. ERGON (OWNER OIF IRIS HOTEL) TIMOTHY MARSHALL, ANDREAS LARENTZAKIS
Timothy Marshall, IIPT Chair brought greetings on behalf of IIPT founder Mr. Lou D’Amore and Global President Mr. Ajay Prakash. Mr Marshall stated that “Our 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.
The IIPT Kepez Olive Peace Park – Canakkale, Turkiye, 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 to reflect on the connectedness to planet earth and the key role of Tourism in contributing to a more sustainable and peaceful world.
Gail Parsonage was one of the IIPT reps who received a plaque of appreciation from the Mayor of Kepez and local dignitaries
The ANZAC Dawn Service on April 25th at Galipoli
PHOTO: The ANZAC Dawn Service
ANZAC stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corp
The Anzac dawn service has been commemorated every year since the Allied Forces landed on Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.
Each year thousands of Australians and Kiwis descend on this sacred site to remember and commemorate the lives lost and casualties of all the soldiers, including those from the Ottoman Army.
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.
WHAT RECONCILIATION LOOKS LIKE
A MOMENT OF WAR BETWEEN ANZAC (AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND ARMY CORP) AND THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE, WORLD WAR 1 – 1914-1918
Features original soldiers and their direct descendants.
PHOTO EXHIBITION AT CANAKKALE, TURKIYE
Idris Charles Pike 17th Battalion Australian Imperial Force – 1915
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 you soldier friends, the Turks.”
Izzettin Calislar, Chief of Staff of the XIXCorps and Anafartalar Group, Fifth Ottoman Army – 1915, Izzettin Calislar – Grandson of Izzettin
“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.”
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.
A SMALL GROUP TOURED TURKIYE & GREECE AFTER THE CEREMONY
PHOTO – GAIL, ANDREAS AND TIM IN FRONT OF A MONUMENT
BEARING THE WORDS OF ATATURK
“You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country,
therefore, rest in peace.”
PHOTO: Gail Parsonage, Andreas Larentzakis and Timothy Marshall in Athens
FOR MORE READING
Discover the Turkish Park Turning War Memories into Peace Missions – Focus on Travel News
FTN news (News of the IIPT event published in Turkiye.)
“Peace park in Turkey opens in Kepez on Children’s Day . . .”
KIND TRAVELLING
Timothy Marshall has sent information about the work of the Kind Traveller – there is so much there, it’s best to have a look at their website from time to time:
THAI PEACE FESTIVAL
Juergen Steinmetz attended a festival of peace and harmony on March 30th and the following article is his report:
https://eturbonews.com/thailand-tourism-festival-an-exercise-of-unity-peace-harmony/
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 Turkey, 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
ABOUT IIPT
The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is a not for profit organization dedicated to fostering travel and tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding and cooperation, an improved quality of environment, the preservation of heritage, reconciliation and poverty reduction; and through these initiatives, helping to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world. It is founded on a vision of the world’s largest industry, travel and tourism – becoming the world’s first global peace industry; and the belief that every traveler is potentially an “Ambassador for Peace.”
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