Canakkale Martyrs and Martyrs Monument

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery and Martyrs’ Memorial, symbols of Turkey’s recent history and sites visited by thousands of local and foreign tourists every year, are located on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

The Martyrs’ Memorial, built in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Çanakkale, was constructed to commemorate the heroism and tragedy of this historic event. Rising at Hisarlık Cape, beside Morto Bay, the memorial overlooks the Dardanelles Strait, symbolizing the souls of the fallen soldiers ascending toward the heavens.

Enchanting its visitors not only with its architectural design but also with its profound symbolism, this memorial is one of Turkey's most treasured landmarks.

History and Significance of the Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial was built to honor Turkish soldiers who died in the Battle of Çanakkale during World War I in 1915. The process began with an architectural competition in 1944.

Architects Doğan Erginbaş, İsmail Utkular, and engineer Ertuğrul Barla won the competition. The foundation was laid on April 17, 1954.

However, due to financial difficulties, construction was interrupted several times. To overcome these challenges, the newspaper Milliyet organized a nationwide donation campaign. With the funds raised, construction was completed, and the memorial was officially opened on August 21, 1960, on the anniversary of the August Battles.

Is Entrance to the Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery Free?

There is no entrance fee to the Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery and Martyrs’ Memorial. As an area that honors Turkey’s national and spiritual values, visitors are welcome to visit this significant place in our history freely.

Visiting Hours for the Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery and Martyrs’ Memorial are open to visitors every day of the week, from sunrise to sunset. Therefore, visitors can come at any time during daylight hours. On special days, especially on March 18, the Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Remembrance Day, commemorative ceremonies are held, attracting a large number of visitors.

Located in the Eceabat district of Çanakkale province, Eceabat is one of the historic areas of the Gallipoli Peninsula, making it easy for visitors to reach the cemetery from there.

Monuments and Reliefs at the Martyrs’ Memorial

The Martyrs’ Memorial includes more than just the main monument. Surrounding the memorial are symbolic cemeteries and reliefs that reflect memories of the battle. Opened in 2007, the symbolic cemetery includes the names of 59,000 soldiers who fell in Çanakkale engraved on stones.

In front of the cemetery stands a giant 45-meter relief depicting scenes from the battle and moments of victory. Just beyond the memorial, the famous words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, written for the soldiers who lost their lives, are displayed on a marble tablet.

Architectural Features of the Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial

The monument stands 41.7 meters tall and rests on four columns, each 7.5 meters wide and spaced 10 meters apart. A 25x25 meter concrete slab forms the upper section, and the Turkish flag is inscribed on the ceiling.

At the lower level of the monument, there is the Museum of War Artifacts, along with the Mehmetçik Monument and Turkish Cemetery. The columns of the monument are adorned with reliefs depicting battle scenes. These reliefs were created between 1999 and 2000 using a sculpture carving machine invented by Italian Giuseppe Finazzi, later finished by hand.

How to Reach the Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery and Martyrs’ Memorial

To reach the Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery and Martyrs’ Memorial, visitors should head from the Çanakkale city center toward Eceabat district. The cemetery can be accessed by private vehicle or public transportation. Located at the far end of the Dardanelles Strait, it can also be reached by ferry across to the Gallipoli Peninsula.

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery and Martyrs’ Memorial were created to honor the heroes of the Çanakkale War, a symbol of the Turkish nation’s struggle for independence. This area is one of the most powerful places where the spirit of our country's independence can be felt.

Visitors can experience a journey into the past by observing the reliefs in memory of the martyrs, Atatürk's meaningful words, and the 45-meter-long relief. The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery not only enhances historical awareness but also strengthens national pride.

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Cemetery and Martyrs’ Memorial, a place of national and international significance, were built to honor the memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Turkey's independence and freedom. Located in Eceabat, this memorial attracts thousands of visitors every year to keep the heroes of the Çanakkale War alive in memory.

This area offers visitors a journey through history, continuing to convey the importance of the Çanakkale War and the sacrifice of our martyrs to future generations.