The 57th Infantry Regiment Martyrs' Cemetery is located between Conkbayırı and Kocaçimentepe within the Gallipoli Historical Area of the Çanakkale Wars. The 57th Infantry Regiment, which was tasked with stopping the Anzac troops landing at Arıburnu on the morning of April 25, 1915, was part of the 19th Division. Due to the intense battles that took place in this area during the war, a commemorative structure was built at this location. The memorial and monument were designed to commemorate the members of the 57th Regiment, who played an important role in the battles that took place on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Construction of the monument began in 1992, and it was opened to visitors in 1994. This historical site serves as a symbolic memorial where the names of soldiers who lost their lives during the war are commemorated. The structure is under the responsibility of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Gallipoli Historical Area Directorate of the Gallipoli Wars.
Promotional Video (Çanakkale Historical Site Administration)
Historical Background
The 57th Infantry Regiment played a critical role during the Battle of Gallipoli. On the morning of April 25, 1915, following the Anzac landing at Arıburnu, the regiment immediately sprang into action on Mustafa Kemal's orders and engaged in fierce fighting on the hills of Conkbayırı and Kocaçimen. The regiment put up fierce resistance in the early days of the war, with nearly all of its members falling as martyrs, yet it managed to halt the enemy's advance.
Structure and Architectural Features of the Martyrs' Memorial
The martyrs' memorial serves as a monument symbolizing the heroism of the 57th Regiment. At the center of the site stands a monument made of white marble. On the monument, there is a depiction of the regiment's flag waving. Around the martyrdom, there are symbolic graves of soldiers who lost their lives in the war and information panels.
At the entrance to the martyrs' cemetery, there is an inscription of Mustafa Kemal's words to the 57th Regiment: “I am not ordering you to attack, I am ordering you to die!” This statement is a historical document reflecting the regiment's sacrifice and the intensity of the war.
Additionally, within the memorial, there are symbolic graves dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Hüseyin Avni Bey, the commander of the 57th Regiment, and other officers. The structure has been designed with a simple yet monumental architectural style and is harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape.
Entrance to the Martyrs' Cemetery (Çanakkale Historical Area Directorate)
Visiting and Transportation Information
The 57th Infantry Regiment Martyrs' Cemetery is located within the boundaries of the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park. It is located on the road from Eceabat to Kabatepe, near Conkbayırı. The cemetery is open to visitors every day and admission is free.
Visitors can learn historical information with a guide in the memorial area or learn about the details of the war by examining the information panels. In addition, a panoramic view of Arıburnu and Anzac Cove can be seen from the area where the memorial is located.
Cultural and Historical Importance
The 57th Infantry Regiment Martyrs' Cemetery is one of the most important symbols of the Gallipoli Campaign. The regiment's resistance represents the courage of Turkish soldiers and their determination to defend their homeland. The cemetery is visited by thousands of visitors every year during commemorative ceremonies on March 18 and April 25, keeping the memory of the martyrs alive.
A bronze statue of Hüseyin Kaçmaz, Turkey's oldest veteran, who passed away on September 10, 1994, at the age of 108 (Culture Portal)
Commemoration Ceremonies
The 57th Infantry Regiment Martyrs' Cemetery is commemorated every year on April 25 with the “57th Regiment Loyalty Walk.” Coordinated by the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports, thousands of people participate in the walk in the morning to commemorate the martyrs. The event is organized to raise national awareness and historical consciousness.
