The Conkbayırı Mehmetçik Inscription is a monumental structure located at Conkbayırı, one of the most critical fronts of the Çanakkale Wars, embodying the resistance and sacrifice shown by the Turkish army. Consisting of five plaques, the inscription documents the strategic developments of the course of the war and commemorates the memory of the soldiers who were martyred. Built as a result of a competition held in 1970, the structure was registered and placed under protection in 1980 by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Promotional Video (Çanakkale Tarihi Alan Başkanlığı)
Geographical Location and Architectural Structure
The Conkbayırı Mehmetçik Inscription is located on the Gallipoli Peninsula, to the west of the road leading from Cesarettepe, Kılıçbayırı, and Düztepe to Çimentepe, north of the 261-meter-high hill. The inscription is situated at a strategic point on Conkbayırı.
Architectural Design
The monument is designed to symbolize a hand and consists of five separate plaques. This architectural approach carries a symbolic meaning representing unity and integrity. Designed by architect Ahmet Gülgönen, the project won a competition launched in 1970 and was brought to life by the Turkish Government.
Historical Events on the Plaques
First Plaque: April 25, 1915 – Initial Intervention
On April 25, 1915, against the enemy forces landing at Arıburnu, the commander of the 19th Infantry Division, Staff Lieutenant Colonel Mustafa Kemal, on his own initiative, dispatched the 57th Infantry Regiment to the area. By ordering a bayonet charge to the coastal covering troops whose ammunition had run out, time was gained, and a reserve regiment was deployed to prevent the enemy from reaching Conkbayırı.
Second Plaque: Assault and Obedience to Orders
On the same morning, advancing with the 57th Regiment against the enemy, Mustafa Kemal showed his determination, which shaped the course of the battle, with his order: “I am not ordering you to attack, I am ordering you to die.” In line with this order, the assaults carried out resulted in the enemy being pushed back to Cesarettepe.
Third Plaque: August 6–9, 1915 – Renewed Assaults
On August 6, 1915, enemy forces, reinforced with new troops, launched another attack towards Conkbayırı. In the fighting that continued day and night, both sides suffered heavy casualties. By the evening of August 9, Turkish forces succeeded in halting the enemy just 25 meters from the Conkbayırı hills.
Fourth Plaque: August 10, 1915 – Counterattack
The counterattack carried out by the Turkish army was executed as a bayonet charge due to the proximity of the trenches. During this time, while Group Commander of Anafartalar, Colonel Mustafa Kemal, was in his observation post, a shrapnel ball struck his pocket watch, shattering it, but he remained unharmed. As a result, enemy forces retreated to Ağıl Deresi.
Fifth Plaque
The enemy forces’ attempts to capture Conkbayırı, split the Turkish forces in two, and reach the Çanakkale Strait were thwarted by the resistance of the Turkish soldiers. As a result of the battles in this area, the Turkish Army lost 9,200 martyrs, while enemy forces suffered around 12,000 casualties.
Cultural and Monumental Value
The Conkbayırı Mehmetçik Inscription is a symbol of resistance and sacrifice embedded in Turkish national memory. The plaques embody historical events and convey them to future generations, reflecting the strategic and human dimensions of the war in a comprehensive manner.
Protection Status
On November 14, 1980, the structure was registered by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism as a “cultural property to be protected.” Today, it is considered a historical monument and a cultural heritage asset. This registration is significant for preserving the architectural features and historical value of the structure.
The Conkbayırı Mehmetçik Inscription, located in the area where the fiercest battles of the Çanakkale Wars took place, is a symbolic structure representing the resistance and determination demonstrated by the Turkish army. With its architectural structure, historical content, and cultural importance, this inscription is not only a monument but also a document witnessing one of the turning points in the history of the Republic of Türkiye. In this respect, it occupies a noteworthy place in both academic studies and cultural preservation policies.
