Turkish authorities have arrested a suspected Islamic State member that they believed plotted to attack an Anzac commemoration at Gallipoli, where hundreds of Australians and New Zealanders gather each year on 25 April.

Turkish police allege that the attack was in retribution to the mass shooting by a white supremacist at Christchurch mosques in New Zealand.

Last month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had cited the Gallipoli campaign in his pre-election campaign. In scathing comments, Mr Erdogan warned Australian and NZ citizens who came to Turkey with anti-Muslim sentiments that they would be sent back in coffins, and he also criticised Anzacs for their role in Gallipoli.

Police say that the suspect, a Syrian national, was detained in Tekirdaq, and was among several Islamic State members that have been detained. Two SIM cards are central to the case against him.

Local Turkish media have released a name and a blurry photo of a 25-year-old believed to be the suspect of the planned attack.

The threat was assessed as serious, but Turkish police have yet to release further details about the nature of the planned attack. It was due to take place at a special service at the memorial at the area where the failed 1915 military campaign by Anzac and allied forces took place at Gallipoli.

READ MORE: The Greeks that fought with the Anzacs for their new country

Turks banned from visiting Anzac commemorations at Gallipoli

Turkey has heightened security at commemorative events amid fears for an attack. Turkish nationals, including bus drivers and tour guides, are forbidden from the peninsula for the service.

“It’s actually not unprecedented for the Turkish authorities to recommend that Turkish nationals not attend the service, it’s happened in previous years,” Australia’s Veteran Affairs Minister Darren Chester told ABC News Breakfast.

“I’m sure there’ll be a very solemn, very respectful commemorative event on the peninsula which will be well attended by visitors from mainly Australia and New Zealand.”

READ MORE: Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s scathing comments about Anzacs