On the other hand:
Williams Sellars, an Australian writer based on Gallipoli peninsula for 15 years, is adamant there is no ill-intent by Turkish state agencies.
"The stone cladding has been removed and will be replaced in the exact same form as the original," he predicted.
The memorials were erected in the 1980s and had been worn over years, he said, with the same wording falling off and stones becoming discoloured.
There was a notification of the restoration project on the Turkish Culture Ministry's website that included photos of work being undertake and there was no indication the words wouldn't be replaced.
A statement released by Turkish authorities on Friday night said work on 15 sites at Gallipoli is under way.
It said the renovations were being carried out due to to wear on the stone, to the point where some of the wording was falling off and endangering the public.
"With regards to these monuments history is not being destroyed or rewritten and Ataturk's words will not be lost," it read.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said the restoration work was routine maintenance work due to be completed in time for Anzac Day commemorations in 2018. "New Zealand and Turkey have a warm relationship based on our historical links to Gallipoli and we value the cooperation we have with Turkey, including at Anzac Day events."
It seems as though this may be a bit of a knee jerk reaction ...