The Malta Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery is one of the 78 Turkish martyrdom sites located abroad, representing the Ottoman Empire's historical legacy and military sacrifices. Built in 1874 under the directive of Sultan Abdulaziz, the cemetery is situated in the Marsa region near Valletta, the capital of Malta. It was established to honor the memory of Ottoman soldiers who fell during the 1565 Siege of Malta and Turkish soldiers who died as prisoners in Malta during World War I.

Sultan Abdulaziz, during his visit to Malta in 1867, noticed the neglected condition of Ottoman graves and ordered the construction of this cemetery. The Martyrs’ Cemetery is not just a burial ground but a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s international identity, historical connections, and cultural ties with the Islamic world. It also reflects the Ottoman respect for their martyrs, their effort to preserve collective memory, and their commitment to carrying historical values into the future. Today, the Malta Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery continues to be a significant cultural and spiritual site, reminding visitors of the enduring historical bonds and sacrifices of the past.

History

The 1565 Siege of Malta

The story of the Malta Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery dates back to the 1565 Siege of Malta, one of the Ottoman Empire’s grandest Mediterranean campaigns. The siege, initiated during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, aimed to strengthen Ottoman dominance in the Mediterranean and leverage Malta’s strategic location. During the siege, the renowned Ottoman admiral Turgut Reis was gravely wounded by enemy cannon fire during an attack on Fort Saint Elmo. The legendary commander passed away on June 23, 1565. His remains were initially buried in Malta before being transferred to Sousse, Tunisia.

^{A painting showing the Siege of Malta (Source: Stratejik Ortak Website)}

The Ottoman soldiers faced fierce resistance during the siege and suffered heavy losses. Although the campaign ended without achieving its strategic objectives, the courage and sacrifice of the Ottoman forces left a lasting legacy. The Malta Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery stands as a tribute to Turgut Reis and the Ottoman soldiers who perished alongside him.

^{17th Century Political Map of the Eastern Mediterranean Showing the Strategic Location of the Island of Malta (Source: Osmanli Devleti Gen Website)}

World War I and Ottoman Prisoners

During World War I, Ottoman soldiers captured by the British at the Gallipoli Front and other battlegrounds were transported to Malta and held in camps. Soldiers who died in these camps were buried according to Islamic traditions. The first burial in the cemetery was that of İzmir-born Cavalry Captain Bekir Sıdkı Bey on December 23, 1915. Between 1915 and 1919, a total of 22 Ottoman soldiers were interred in the Malta Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery.

For the Turkish prisoners, the cemetery served as a site of solace and remembrance. In 1919-1920, the cemetery was restored under the leadership of Kuşçubaşı Eşref, a commander of the Teşkilat-ı Mahsusa (Special Organization), and the names of the martyrs were inscribed on the monument. From this point onward, the Malta Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery became a monument to Ottoman military history and international connections.

The Malta Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery symbolizes a wide historical narrative, from the legendary Admiral Turgut Reis of the 1565 Siege to the self-sacrificing Ottoman soldiers of World War I. It is an essential reminder of the Ottoman Empire’s maritime power and the human cost of warfare.

Architecture

The cemetery features an impressive entrance gate, four minarets, and a large dome. Enclosed by walls, the structure has a symmetrical design. The Ottoman coat of arms and inscriptions above the entrance gate emphasize its historical identity. Graves line the pathway on both sides, leading to a prayer room and a mortuary at the end. For many years, the cemetery also served as the sole Muslim prayer space in Malta.

^{An Image of the Martyrdom (Source: NTV Website)}

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Malta Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery is not just a graveyard but also a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s influence and historical ties on the international stage. Open to visitors today, it stands as an enduring monument to Turkish and Islamic heritage. The inscriptions and tombstones reflect the geographical origins of Ottoman soldiers and the historical imprint of World War I.

^{Memorial at the Martyrdom (Source: NTV Website)}

Visitation and Preservation

The cemetery is open to visitors on specific days and attracts both local and international tourists. Today, Turkish authorities and the Maltese government collaborate to preserve and maintain the site.

The Malta Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery remains a vital symbol, commemorating past sacrifices and historical connections.