 The Anzacs were confronted by a treacherous , confusing tangle of ravines and spurs that descended from the heights of the Sarı Baır range to the sea . The landing was only lightly opposed by scattered Turkish units until Mustafa Kemal , commanding the 19th Division and perceiving the threat posed by the landings , rushed reinforcements to the area in what became a race for the high ground . The contest for the heights was decided on the second ridge line where the Anzacs and Turks fought over a knoll called Baby 700 . The position changed hands a number of times on the first day before the Turks , having the advantage of the higher ground on Battleship Hill , took final possession of it . Once the Anzac advance was checked , the Turks counter @-@ attacked , trying to force the invaders back to the shore , but failed to dislodge them from the foothold they had gained . A trench perimeter quickly developed and a bloody stalemate ensued until August . 
