Guler: “It means a lot to my family” Emre Guler reflects on heritage, family pride, and Anzac Day football
Emre Guler, the Canberra Raiders prop forward, has spoken emotionally about the pride he carries for his Turkish heritage, particularly in the lead-up to Anzac Day – a day with profound significance in both Australian and Turkish history. In a recent interview ahead of the Raiders’ Anzac Day blockbuster against the Sydney Roosters, Guler opened up about his upbringing, his family, and how these moments resonate beyond the field.
“For me and my family, it means a lot,” Guler said. “We’re proud to be part of this country, but also proud of where we come from. Anzac Day reminds me of both.”
Born and raised in Sydney to Turkish parents, Guler has grown up embracing the dual cultures of his Australian environment and his ancestral roots. He vividly remembers attending Anzac Day games as a young fan and feeling the gravity of the occasion – the silence during the Last Post, the unity in the crowd, and the respect paid to history.
“Even as a kid, I could feel it was more than just a game. Now that I get to play in one, I don’t take that lightly,” he added.
The Gallipoli campaign, a pivotal moment in both Australian and Turkish military history, connects the two nations in remembrance each year on Anzac Day. For Guler, this adds another layer of meaning to the match.
“It’s a special bond. Gallipoli is something we all learn about – in both countries. Playing on Anzac Day, as someone with Turkish blood, it brings everything full circle.”
Off the field, Guler’s family has always been his backbone. From his early junior league days to his rise through the NRL ranks, their support has been unwavering. He often speaks fondly of his parents and their Turkish restaurant, which has become somewhat of a gathering spot for his Raiders teammates when in Sydney.
Ahead of the 2019 Grand Final, the Raiders even had meals specially catered by Guler’s family – a moment he recalls with a smile. “It’s just another way they’ve backed me. And the boys loved the food too!”
As the Raiders prepare for another fierce encounter with the Roosters on Anzac Day, Guler isn’t just playing for points. He’s playing with his heritage in his heart, for his family, and in honor of the past.