Travel allows me to learn about history in a way that makes sense. Dates, names, accomplishments -- especially military -- escape me. But when I see the impact that one man had on his country and how he set in motion the reason Turkey is the country it is today, I have an appreciation for why such people are memorialized. Names now have meaning -- "father of the Turks" -- Atatürk. Dates have impact when interpreting the meaning to society at a time in history they signify -- in the 1930s, women in Turkey were members of Parliament and not even required to wear head scarves in order to be in public.
I've seen military guards at Buckingham Palace, Arlington National Cemetery, etc. And at first, I thought these guards looked similar in their sharp uniforms, coordinated marching, guns, etc. But then, when they walked past me and I saw the knives on their backs, I realized that this was a very different part of military uniforms than the ones I had seen before. I chose this photo because it represents all that I just described; photos represent the story the photographer wants to remember.
Great story to go with a terrific photo. I like the composition, the sense of wonder on the faces of those watching behind the soldiers marching, and the line of the marchers.
Interesting line of marchers! Those are the bayonets in their scabbards in the back....the attach to the end of the rifle for stabbing, just as in days gone by. In Canada each of the different elements wore a different colour ...wonder if it's the same here...blue for Air, green for Army and black for Navy.
@roadshow@jodimuli@taffy@lynnb - thanks for your comments! @lynnb -- I've heard of "bayonets" but I've never seen them before. Interesting. Do Canadian soldiers wear them, too? The things I learn from comments . . . I never expected to learn!
@lynnb Oh, no wonder you had an idea since you were in the military also. , I @whdphotog -- I think Lynn's explanation about the different uniforms being for different branches of service makes sense to me. @pflaume -- thanks for comment!
Your photo is excellent and your narrative is fantastic. I also like to write about my shots. Welcome to 365. Hope your experience will be as good as mine.I will follow you and hope you follow me; it's more fun.
You have surely represented what you wish to remember.
@lynnb -- I've heard of "bayonets" but I've never seen them before. Interesting. Do Canadian soldiers wear them, too? The things I learn from comments . . . I never expected to learn!