Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial

About

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial, known in Turkish as Çanakkale Şehitler Abidesi, stands at Hisarlık on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The large monument was built to honour the Ottoman soldiers who died during the battles of Çanakkale in 1915.

The Gallipoli Campaign was one of the most difficult and bloody campaigns of the First World War. For Türkiye, the area has special meaning because the defence of the Dardanelles became a turning point in national memory and later an important part of the story of the republic.

The memorial is large, simple and powerful. It stands with views over the Dardanelles, the sea and the landscape where the fighting took place. A visit is therefore not only about the structure itself, but also about the silence, the view and the weight of the history.

This is a place that should be visited with respect and time. Many Turkish visitors come to honour fallen family members, attend commemorations or learn more about the Çanakkale battles. For foreign visitors, the memorial is an important introduction to Turkish military history and Gallipoli as a shared international memory landscape.

Where it fits in

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial fits naturally into a trip to Çanakkale, the Gallipoli Peninsula or Troy. It is one of the most important stops if you want to understand the history of the Dardanelles and the First World War in Türkiye.

The visit can be combined with other places on Gallipoli, such as memorial parks, Turkish cemeteries, old trenches, viewpoints and Allied cemeteries. This gives a fuller picture of the battles and the landscape.

For travellers coming from Istanbul, Gallipoli and Çanakkale can make a strong two-day trip. You can combine the memorial with Çanakkale city centre, the ferry across the Dardanelles and possibly Troy on the Asian side.

What to expect

At the memorial itself, you enter a large and open remembrance area. The tall pillars, simple form and position overlooking the sea make a strong impression, especially with the Dardanelles in the background.

The area also includes cemeteries, memorial panels, reliefs and information about the soldiers and the battles. Many visitors spend time walking quietly, reading names and viewing the landscape from different angles.

You can also experience the Gallipoli Peninsula as a wider historical landscape. The roads between memorials, ridges, bays and former battle areas make it easier to understand why geography was so important during the campaign.

For many visitors, the experience is strongest with a local guide. A good guide can explain the Turkish side, the Allied landings, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s role and why Çanakkale still means so much in Türkiye.

Practical planning

• Allow at least half a day for the Gallipoli Peninsula
• Start early if you want to visit several memorial sites in one day
• Use a car, organised tour or private transport to move around efficiently
• Check ferry times if travelling between Çanakkale and Gallipoli
• Bring water, especially in spring, summer and early autumn
• Wear comfortable shoes, as some areas have gravel, slopes and open spaces
• Dress respectfully, this is a national memorial site
• Check weather and wind before the trip, the area can be exposed
• Consider a guide if you want to understand the history better
• Combine the visit with Troy or Çanakkale city centre if possible

Tips before you go

• Read briefly about the Gallipoli Campaign before visiting
• Do not treat the area like an ordinary photo stop
• Walk calmly and show respect at cemeteries and memorial panels
• Visit outside major commemorative days if you want quieter conditions
• Avoid the hottest hours of the day in summer
• Bring sun protection, as some areas have little shade
• Keep cash available for small purchases, transport or a guide
• Check whether some roads or areas are closed during ceremonies
• Allow time to take in the view over the Dardanelles
• Visit several memorial sites for a better overall understanding

Good to know

The Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial has very strong symbolic importance in Türkiye. It is not only a historic monument, but a place of mourning, respect, national identity and remembrance.

On 18 March, Çanakkale Victory Day, and other commemorative dates, the area can be very crowded. This can create a powerful atmosphere, but also more traffic, security and waiting time.

Gallipoli is also important for many other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and France. The area should therefore be understood both as a Turkish memorial site and as an international First World War landscape.