The Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial is a 41.7-meter-tall four-column monument on Hisarlık Hill in Eceabat, erected in memory of 253,000 fallen soldiers; entrance is free and it is open 24/7.
Rising towards the sky on Hisarlık Hill as you pass through the Çanakkale Strait (Dardanelles), this massive structure is the most visited landmark on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Its four columns stand 41.7 meters high and are designed in the shape of the letter "M", representing Mehmetçik (the Turkish soldier). The letter is clearly visible regardless of which angle you look from. The relief sculptures on the pillars depict scenes from the battle.
The story behind the monument is as striking as the structure itself. Its foundation was laid in 1954, but state funds fell short of finishing the construction, leaving the main body as bare concrete. Following a nationwide donation campaign launched by Milliyet Newspaper, students sent their pocket money and women donated their gold bracelets. The memorial was thus completed through public funds and inaugurated in 1960. Today, the symbolic cemetery area behind it (open to visitors since 2007) is an integral part of the route.
Visitor reviews often highlight the emotional weight of the site: some describe it as an unexplainable experience, while others view visiting here as a duty for every Turkish citizen. There are also a few criticisms regarding maintenance, with some wishing the grounds were kept more orderly. Every year on March 18, a major commemoration ceremony takes place in the ceremonial ground, bringing larger crowds.
Best time to visit
Since the memorial is open 24/7, you can visit at any time of day. During hot summer days, morning hours are much more comfortable for exploring the open area. The site gets very crowded around March 18 due to national commemoration ceremonies, so avoid those dates if you prefer a quiet visit. In winter, strong winds can blow off the strait, so dressing warmly is recommended.
How to get there
There is no direct road link from Çanakkale city center to the memorial; you must first cross to Eceabat by ferry. From Eceabat, it is about a 25-minute drive toward Seddülbahir. If you don't have a vehicle, organized battlefield tours, local taxis, or minibuses are available. Make sure to check ferry schedules from up-to-date sources, as frequencies vary by season.
Recommended route
The Martyrs' Memorial is usually visited as part of a broader Gallipoli Peninsula battlefield tour. Nearby sites include Kilitbahir Castle, 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery, Conkbayırı (Chunik Bair), and the Corporal Seyit Monument. It is easy to visit all these points in a single day. Starting with the memorial in the morning and moving to the northern front bastions in the afternoon is a practical sequence.
How much time to allow
30 to 45 minutes is sufficient for the monument itself and the symbolic cemetery grounds. However, if you wish to see other surrounding memorials and the simulation center in Kabatepe, you should allocate a full day for the complete Gallipoli tour.
Things to keep in mind
As the site functions as a memorial and cemetery, visitors are expected to maintain appropriate behavior and noise levels. Some visitors note that maintenance could be improved in certain spots, so adjust your expectations accordingly. The ground is not entirely suitable for wheelchairs or strollers throughout, as there are steep paths and stairs.
Photography spots
To capture the 'M' letter formed by the monument's structure, step back from the columns and take a low-angle shot. The open area on the hill offers a wide panoramic view for those wanting to shoot with the Dardanelles in the background. At sunset, the light casts a golden hue over the strait and the monument.
Good to know about Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial
The memorial was built following an architectural competition won by Doğan Erginbaş, İsmail Utkular, and Feridun Kip. Its foundation was laid on April 17, 1954, and it opened to visitors on August 21, 1960, marking the 45th anniversary of the Second Battle of Anafartas. The symbolic cemetery behind the main structure has welcomed visitors since 2007. It holds a 4.9 rating on Google reviews, reflecting high overall visitor satisfaction.
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