Places to Visit on the Gallipoli Peninsula: Martyrs' Cemeteries, Fortifications and Memorials

The must-see places on the Gallipoli Peninsula are grouped in three areas: Kilitbahir and the fortifications on the Dardanelles shore, Seddülbahir and the area around the Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial at the southern tip of the peninsula, and the Arıburnu, Anzac Cove and Conkbayırı (Chunuk Bair) line in the north-west. It is possible to tour these three areas in one day with a guide's commentary; going from south to north both shortens the drive and makes it easier to follow the naval and land battles of 1915 in chronological order.

Below we list each stop, together with what to look for there.

The Dardanelles shore: traces of the naval battles

Kilitbahir Castle

Just south of Eceabat, overlooking the narrowest point of the strait, this castle, together with Çimenlik Castle on the opposite shore, was for centuries the lock of the Dardanelles. Its plan, resembling a clover leaf, stands out when you look closely. The castle is a good starting point for understanding why the defence against the fleet that tried to force the strait on 18 March 1915 was concentrated here.

Mecidiye and Namazgâh fortifications

The fortifications stretching along the shore were the artillery positions in the naval battle. The gun emplacements and magazines between the earth ridges show the scale of the war far more vividly than books do.

Corporal Seyit Memorial

The story of Corporal Seyit, who, when the shell-lifting mechanism broke, carried a heavy artillery shell on his back and loaded it into the gun, is one of the best-known stories of Çanakkale. The memorial symbolises this story and is one of the stops student groups are most curious about.

The southern tip of the peninsula: Seddülbahir and Morto Bay

Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial

The four-legged monument on the hill overlooking Morto Bay was built in memory of the Turkish soldiers who lost their lives in the Çanakkale battles. The symbolic cemetery around the monument and the seemingly endless walls of names are where the quietest moments of the visit take place. We recommend taking your time here.

Seddülbahir and Ertuğrul Bay

This is one of the shores where the land landings of 25 April 1915 took place. At Ertuğrul Bay, the story is told of Sergeant Yahya and his comrades, who resisted the landing; the Sergeant Yahya Martyrs' Cemetery is also nearby. The remains of Seddülbahir Castle can be seen just above the shore.

Şahindere Martyrs' Cemetery

One of the cemeteries built in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in the battles in the area. Set in a wooded area, it offers a more peaceful visit.

The north-west: Arıburnu, Anzac Cove and Conkbayırı

Anzac Cove and Arıburnu

The narrow beach where Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed, and the steep slopes behind it, speak for themselves about why the fighting here was so long and so hard. At Arıburnu there is a memorial inscribed with words attributed to Atatürk, which remember the soldiers of the other side too as 'sons of this land'. A dawn service is held here every year on 25 April.

Respect to Mehmetçik Memorial and Kanlı Sırt (Lone Pine)

The memorial, depicting a Turkish soldier carrying a wounded enemy soldier in his arms, is a reminder of the human face of war. Kanlı Sırt (Bloody Ridge) is a hill whose surrounding trench traces explain how it got its name.

57th Regiment Memorial

It was built in memory of the 57th Regiment, associated with Mustafa Kemal's words 'I am not ordering you to attack, I am ordering you to die'. It is one of the most emotional stops on the peninsula; the statue of a grandfather and granddaughter at the cemetery is also a work visitors linger in front of.

Conkbayırı and the place where Atatürk's watch was hit

Conkbayırı (Chunuk Bair) is one of the highest and most critical points of the Arıburnu front. The spot where a piece of shrapnel aimed at Mustafa Kemal's chest struck the watch in his pocket is marked here. From the hill you can see both the Aegean and the surrounding ridges; it is an excellent vantage point for piecing together the geography of the battle.

Can you see them all in one day?

All the stops above can be visited in a single day, but only with the right order and by knowing in advance how long to spend at each stop. Those who go by private car often lose time going back and forth between points on the map.

The Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorials Tour follows a route that solves this problem: you leave Istanbul at midnight and arrive in Eceabat in the morning. First you visit Kilitbahir, the Mecidiye fortifications, the Corporal Seyit Memorial and the Şahindere Martyrs' Cemetery; then the Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial, Morto Bay, Seddülbahir, the Sergeant Yahya Martyrs' Cemetery and Ertuğrul Bay; and finally a walk on Anzac Hill, the 57th Regiment Martyrs' Cemetery and Conkbayırı.

If you prefer a calmer pace, the Çanakkale, Troy and Assos Tour is a good alternative. In this programme you visit Assos, Troy and Çanakkale city centre on the first day, stay overnight at a hotel and devote the whole second day to the peninsula. We explain in detail how to decide between the two options in our article how many days for a Çanakkale tour.

Things to keep in mind during your visit

• The martyrs' cemeteries are places of remembrance. You are expected not to talk loudly, not to lean on gravestones and memorials, and to be respectful when taking photos.
• Although you travel between stops by vehicle, there is walking at every point, and on Anzac Hill there is an uphill walk. Comfortable shoes are a must.
• There is little shade and a lot of wind on the peninsula. Depending on the season, have a hat, water and a windproof outer layer with you.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours do you need to visit the Çanakkale martyrs' cemeteries?

Touring the main martyrs' cemeteries and memorials on the Gallipoli Peninsula with a guide takes almost a full day. On our day trip, this time is gained by leaving overnight and being on the peninsula early in the morning.

Where is the Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial?

The memorial is at the southern tip of the Gallipoli Peninsula, on the hill overlooking Morto Bay. You reach it by driving south from Eceabat.

Where was Atatürk's watch hit?

At Conkbayırı (Chunuk Bair). The spot where the piece of shrapnel that hit Mustafa Kemal struck the watch in his pocket is marked here, and it is one of the last stops of our tours on the peninsula.

How do you get to Anzac Cove?

Anzac Cove and Arıburnu are on the north-west coast of the peninsula, facing the Aegean. You reach them by vehicle from Eceabat; in our tour programmes this area is planned for the last part of the day.