The 1071 Malazgirt Victory Monument is a symbolic structure erected in reference to the historical significance of the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 and has secured a place in Türkiye’s collective memory. Located in the Malazgirt district of Muş, the monument not only commemorates a military victory but is also regarded as a spatial representation of historical continuity.

1071 Malazgirt Victory Monument. (AA)

Location and Historical Background

The Malazgirt Victory Monument was constructed to commemorate the Battle of Manzikert, in which Sultan Alp Arslan of the Great Seljuk Empire defeated Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes on August 26, 1071. This battle is widely regarded as a historical turning point, as it initiated the process of Turkification in Anatolia.

Architectural Features

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a design competition was held in 1970. The project submitted by architect Mustafa Aslaner was selected as the winning design. The monument incorporates elements symbolizing Anatolia, the Turkish states, and the crescent-and-star motif of the national flag. The structure consists of two monumental pillars positioned opposite each other, representing the symbolic gateway through which the Turks entered Anatolia.

Standing at a total height of 52 meters, the monument occupies a dominant position that makes it visible from various parts of the district. With its location and symbolic elements, the structure serves both as a spatial manifestation of a historical event and as a visual representation of national identity. The construction of the monument was completed in 1992, and it was officially opened to visitors the same year, becoming a notable landmark of the district.

Cultural Function and Ceremonies

The monument serves as the focal point of the annual commemoration ceremonies for the Victory of Manzikert. During the events held on August 26, the Turkish flag is projected onto the monument. These visual presentations enhance the monument’s visibility in the public sphere and contribute to its entrenchment in collective memory.

The Malazgirt Victory Monument stands among the modern structures that shape collective memory in Türkiye. Beyond commemorating a historical event, it functions as a visual embodiment of national identity and historical consciousness. Through this monument, shared commemorative practices of the state and society take on a tangible spatial form.

1071 Malazgirt Victory Monument.. (AA)

Scientific Research and Site Documentation

In a study conducted by İskender Dölek and Ahmet Yıldız, the documentation of the 1071 Manzikert Battlefield was examined within the context of cultural heritage. The Malazgirt Victory Monument was also included within the scope of the research area. The documentation process was carried out using contemporary methods such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), geographic information systems (GIS), and three-dimensional modeling. In this context, the monument is regarded not only as a historical symbol but also as a spatial reference point in scientific research.