Seyit Onbaşı Monument

Born in 1889 in what is now Kocaseyit Village, Artillery Corporal Seyit (whose birth name was Seyit Ali Çabuk) gained historic fame on March 18, 1915. Serving at the Rumeli Mecidiye Redoubt, he carried a shell weighing approximately 215 kilograms on his shoulders after the shell crane malfunctioned, loaded it into the cannon barrel, and fired a shot that reportedly hit an Allied battleship. This legendary display of strength turned Seyit Onbaşı into an iconic symbol of Gallipoli. Returning to his village after the war, Seyit passed away in 1939 and was buried in his native homeland.

While the monument grounds are open to visitors year-round, the spring and autumn months offer the most pleasant experience in terms of both weather conditions and the village's natural beauty. Every year during the March 18 Gallipoli Victory anniversary, official commemoration ceremonies are held, causing a noticeable increase in visitor volume. For those wishing to avoid crowds, weekday morning hours provide a much calmer visiting experience.

The monument is located in Kocaseyit Village in the Havran district of Balıkesir province. It lies about 60 km by road from Balıkesir city center to Havran. Roads connecting Havran district center to the village are well-maintained and clearly signposted. Driving a private vehicle is the most convenient option; searching for "Seyit Onbaşı Anıt Mezarı" on Google Maps provides direct navigation. Alternatively, after reaching Havran by public transport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the village.

The elevated position of the monument complex creates an excellent vantage point for wide-angle shots of the surrounding landscape. Seyit Onbaşı's memorial tomb and statue offer striking photographs, especially in the morning light. Replicas of artillery equipment and ammunition at the exhibition hall entrance also provide interesting documentary-style details. Along the road passing through the village, rural Aegean landscapes will surely delight photography enthusiasts.

Because Kocaseyit is a small rural village, finding comprehensive dining options within the village itself can be difficult. The Havran district center is home to various local restaurants known for olive oil dishes and simple Aegean cuisine. This region of Balıkesir is famous for its olive groves; fresh olives and olive oil products make wonderful treats to enjoy locally or buy as souvenirs. Eating a meal in Havran before your visit is highly recommended.

Visiting the Seyit Onbaşı Monument can be expanded into a full-day itinerary when combined with historic sites along Balıkesir's northwestern route. Arrive in Havran in the morning to visit Terzizade Mansion, which houses the Atatürk and Seyit Onbaşı Museum, before proceeding to the monument area in Kocaseyit Village. In the afternoon, take a short stroll through Havran's market square to shop for regional olive oil products. For visitors deeply interested in the Gallipoli Campaign, completing this itinerary with a visit to the Gallipoli War Cemeteries and Memorials over the following days creates a meaningful narrative continuity.

Since the monument area sits on a hill and is fully outdoors, bringing extra outerwear on windy days is advisable. Although village roads are suitable for vehicles, some sections can be narrow, so cautious driving is recommended. Because museum hours may vary based on seasons and national holidays, contacting the Havran Tourism Information Office before your trip is beneficial. As the memorial tomb holds deep religious and national significance, visitors are expected to maintain a respectful demeanor.

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