Monument to Long Mehmet

The Long Mehmet Monument is located in the Yayla Neighborhood, Balkaya Site, on a commanding position overlooking the sea, west of the city center of Zonguldak. The monument was constructed in 1973 by the Turkish Coal Corporation (TTK). Its purpose is to honor the memory of Uzun Mehmet of Ereğli, who is credited with discovering coal in Türkiye for the first time in 1829, and to highlight the significance of coal mining in Zonguldak’s historical identity. Coal played a central role in the energy-based industrial development of Türkiye during both the Ottoman and Republican periods. In this context, the monument represents not only an individual discovery but also the symbolic beginning of an economic transformation.

The Long Mehmet Monument was built on an area of approximately 16,000 square meters. The structure consists of three figures: a soldier, a miner, and a representation of Uzun Mehmet. These figures collectively reflect the fundamental social pillars of the Republic of Türkiye: defense (soldier), labor (miner), and scientific/technological advancement (coal discovery). Over time, the surrounding area has been enhanced through various environmental improvements. In 1983, picnic areas, walking paths, and observation terraces were added, transforming the monument’s surroundings into not only a commemorative space but also a public recreational area. The site has been designed to accommodate pedestrian circulation, offering visitors both a monumental experience and landscape value.

^{Long Mehmet Monument} (Culture Portal)

The Long Mehmet Monument is commemorated annually on 21 June. This date is officially recognized in the calendar as both the day of Zonguldak’s liberation from foreign occupation and the Day of Commemoration of Uzun Mehmet. Ceremonies are coordinated by local authorities including the Zonguldak Governorship, the Provincial Directorate of National Education, and the municipal mayorship. The program includes the laying of wreaths, a moment of silence, and the recitation of the Independence March, followed by speeches, poetry readings, and performances prepared by students. This tradition ensures the enduring symbolic presence of Uzun Mehmet in the city’s collective memory.

As part of urban renewal initiatives launched by the Zonguldak Municipality in the 2020s, a comprehensive landscape redesign of the Long Mehmet Monument and its surroundings has been planned. The project includes the installation of observation terraces, seating areas, walking paths, children’s play zones, and social facilities. According to the municipality, the design responds not only to visitation needs but also to the daily public use requirements of the community. Upon completion, the area surrounding the monument is expected to transition from a cultural focal point to a functional urban park.

Under the Regional Tourism Master Plan published by the Western Black Sea Development Agency (BAKKA), the Long Mehmet Monument is identified as a key stop along Zonguldak’s cultural routes. The agency emphasizes that such cultural heritage sites hold importance not only for tourism but also for local development, environmental awareness, and socio-cultural sustainability. The monument is evaluated as part of an integrated promotional circuit that includes other mining-themed structures, coal museums, and natural walking trails in Zonguldak.