Fire, creates transformative effects in natural ecosystems and, together with this, produces devastating consequences on life and culture. In this context, the Gallipoli Peninsula, one of the richest in terms of forest cover and the most sensitive in its historical aspect, experienced a major fire disaster on July 25, 1994. This fire not only destroyed natural areas but also resulted in the death of Çanakkale Forest Regional Director Talat Göktepe. The Talat Göktepe Monument, built in memory of this event, is gaining meaning as a place of remembrance and awareness.

^{Promotional Video(}Source: Youtube-Çanakkale Historical Areas Presidency)

Historical Background: Arıburnu Fire (1994)

The large forest fire, which started on July 25, 1994, and lasted approximately 57 hours, destroyed a 4,049-hectare forested area, primarily in Arıburnu and Conkbayırı. This region was the scene of the most critical battles of the Çanakkale Battles and holds a special place in historical and national memory. During the fire, not only was the natural habitat damaged; the areas of Bigalı, Büyük Anafarta, Kocadere, Kumköy, and Yalova villages also suffered significant damage.

During the firefighting efforts, Talat Göktepe, the then Çanakkale Forest Regional Director, lost his life during active extinguishing operations. This tragic loss shows how important the human factor is in the struggle for nature against the destructiveness of fire.

Location and Structural Features of the Monument

The Talat Göktepe Monument is located on the Peninsula, by the roadside before reaching Conkbayırı. Its location is quite close to both the area where the fire started and the area where Talat Göktepe lost his life. This location enhances the symbolic value of the monument and creates a spatial element of memory for visitors.

It consists of a bronze statue depicting Talat Göktepe during firefighting activities. The figurative representation allows the personal heroism to be conveyed to the collective memory. The statue, while depicting a public official fighting the fire, has also become a tangible symbol of the dedication given to the protection of forests.

^{Talat Göktepe Monument(Source: Çanakkale Historical Areas Presidency)}

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^{Talat Göktepe Monument(Source: Çanakkale Historical Areas Presidency)}

^{}Symbolic Value of the Monument

The Talat Göktepe Monument is not limited to commemorating the memory of an individual. Monuments built after devastating disasters such as fires serve to keep social memory alive and strengthen environmental awareness.

In this context, the monument is important as a public mourning and honoring space. It also draws attention to the fact that fires have not only environmental but also human and cultural dimensions.

Social Participation and Awareness Activities

The commemoration ceremonies held regularly every year at the site of the monument are expressions of social respect for the public employees who lost their lives fighting the fire. Especially in the ceremonies held on July 25; various institutions and organizations such as the Çanakkale Forest Regional Directorate, the Çanakkale Battles Gallipoli Historical Areas Presidency, and the Çanakkale Bicycle Platform (ÇABİP) play an active role.

In the commemoration program held in 2024; following the ceremony at the monument in Conkbayırı, ÇABİP members carried out an awareness campaign by cycling from Kordon to the Old City Cemetery. Informative stands on fire volunteering were also opened and public participation was encouraged. These activities reveal that the monument is not just a passive memory object but an active tool for environmental awareness. The Talat Göktepe Monument is a powerful reminder that environmental disasters affect not only natural resources but also human life. This structure, built in the memory of a public official who lost his life during firefighting activities, while honoring individual heroism on the one hand, has become a functional tool for the socialization of environmental awareness on the other.

The monument is also an important example of the development of environment-based monument culture in Türkiye. As a physical representation of the collective memory formed after natural disasters, it has the potential to convey both historical information and ecological sensitivity to future generations.