I first met Abdurrahim Boz (aka APO) , a then apprentice Turkish Tour Guide, in 2006 when he took 20+ Australian Commando Association Members under his wing for a tour of Istanbul, the Dardanelles, the Gallipoli Peninsula and other tourist spots.
I remember APO affectionately for his manner, professionalism, humour, reverence and enthusiasm. In fact he was ordained an ‘Honorary Commando’ after surviving our humour (or lack thereof), sometimes bad manners and intemperate Australian way
During 2021, at the height of the Covid pandemic, APO advised that he was enabling virtual Memorial Services and tours of the Gallipoli battlefields for all interested Parties who were unable to travel to Turkey. Following the unexpected passing of Association Members during the Pandemic, who had been on the 2006 trip, I was asked to arrange a Memorial Service (including the laying of wreaths) at Ari Burnu Cemetery, followed by a short tour of the Gallipoli battlefields.
Thanks to APO this virtual Service and Tour was conducted beautifully online, for a large Australian audience - there was not a dry eye anywhere!
I would recomend anyone wanting to visit Turkey (and particularly the Gallipoli and Dardenelles areas) to contact APO to arrange a hire/virtual tour that will give you a fabulous experience at a great price (and a mate for life)
Regards
Glenn
Secretary Australian Commando Association VIC