[Gallipoli]

A souvenir scarf depicting, as a stylised raised-relief map, the Gallipoli Peninsula in context with Turkey, with an inset depicting Constantinople as the route to the Bosporous [sic]

The large cloth scarf (approximately 480 × 605 mm) is float-mounted behind glass in a period-style wooden frame (external dimensions 627 × 753 mm); overall in excellent condition.

Trove records only one example of this item, described in detail as follows: 'Printed Cloth Map ... of the Dardanelles Peninsula (described as part of "TURKEY IN ASIA") as well as the Dardanelles Straits, the Gulf of Saros and the Sea of Marmora. The date of its manufacture is unknown, but it would not have been made before mid-1915. The words "To Constantinople" might be interpreted as an indication that the action on the Gallipoli peninsula was still underway, as it was intended to silence Turkish guns and thus facilitate passage through the Dardanelles Straits to Constantinople (Istanbul), which would provide a significant strategic advantage in the early stages of World War I. The Imperial War Museum indicates that the scarf was produced by British newspaper the "Manchester Guardian". Its own copy is stamped to that effect. Cloth scarf printed in full colour. Depicts the landscape in the region of the Gallipoli peninsula, presented in relief. Urban areas are coloured red, including Constantinople. Significant towns and the landing places of the different Allied units are marked. Each corner of the map has an Allied nation flag in shield shape. Extensive text throughout indicating points of geographical interest. Printed clockwise from the top left corner is shown the Australian flag with the words "AUSTRALIA WELL DONE!", the British White Ensign with "ARMY & NAVY WELL DONE!", the New Zealand flag with "NEW ZEALAND WELL DONE!" and the Union Jack over the Turkish flag with the words "ECLIPSE OF THE STAR & CRESCENT"'. The design also features numerous ships and three biplanes (one a seaplane).

Item #117268

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