Captain Şekip Efendi Martyrdom is a free memorial site built in memory of Captain Şekip Efendi and his soldiers who fell as martyrs during the Great Offensive battle on August 29, 1922, in Zafertepeçalköy, Altıntaş, Kütahya.
The martyrdom bears the traces of a battle that took place on August 29, 1922. Captain Şekip Efendi, Commander of the 2nd Company of the 3rd Regiment of the 14th Cavalry Division, attacked a 20-person enemy reconnaissance group in the perimeter defense with his company and captured approximately 2000 enemy soldiers. When he launched another attack to seize the enemy cannons deeper in, he fell as a martyr on these lands along with some of his soldiers.
On one side of the monument, there is an inscription dedicated to the martyrs of the Turkish Cavalry Corps who attacked the Greek forces in the battle of August 29, 1922. On the other side, the names are listed one by one: Captain Şekip Efendi from Harput, Veysel Ömer from Üsküp District of Düzce, Veli Mehmet from Yağlıken Village of Keskin, İbiş Ömer from Tatasut Village of Akhisar. These names transform the monument from a symbol into the story of real people.
The martyrdom reached its current state with renovation work carried out by the Kütahya Governorship and was opened to visitors on August 30, Victory Day. It is reached by an approximately 600-meter road that turns left from the 2nd kilometer of the Zafertepeçalköy-Dumlupınar asphalt road. It forms a route that can be visited together with other martyrdoms and monuments in the region, such as Dumlupınar Atatürk Headquarters House and Üç Tepeler Martyrdom.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Kütahya historical places, Vakıf Çamlığı Nature Protection Area.
Guide's Note
The Story of the Martyrdom
August 29, 1922, was one of the most intense days of the Great Offensive. Captain Şekip Efendi, at the head of his company, attacked an enemy reconnaissance group in the perimeter defense, capturing approximately 2000 enemy soldiers. Then, when he moved again to seize the remaining cannons, he fell as a martyr along with some of his soldiers. Other names mentioned at the martyrdom are Veysel Ömer from Üsküp, Düzce, Veli Mehmet from Yağlıken, Keskin, and İbiş Ömer from Tatasut, Akhisar.
How to Get There?
The martyrdom is located in Zafertepeçalköy, a town in the Altıntaş district of Kütahya. Those going by private car follow the 600-meter road that turns left from the 2nd kilometer of the Zafertepeçalköy-Dumlupınar asphalt road. Those using public transport can take a minibus from Kütahya bus terminal to Altıntaş and then travel a short distance from the district center to the martyrdom.
Best Time to Visit
Since the martyrdom is an open-air area, it can be visited throughout the year. During summer months, temperatures in the Altıntaş region rise, so early hours may be preferred. Commemoration programs are held in the region during the August 30 Victory Day period; those wishing to visit on this date should consider the crowds.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
The monument area is compact. 20-30 minutes is sufficient, including reading and exploring the surroundings. A half-day history route can be created by combining it with other War of Independence monuments in the region, such as Dumlupınar Atatürk Headquarters House, Üç Tepeler Martyrdom, and Şehit Sancaktar Monument.
Visit with Other Nearby Monuments
Altıntaş and its surroundings were the scene of the final phase of the Great Offensive. When visiting Captain Şekip Efendi Martyrdom, adding nearby points such as Dumlupınar Atatürk Headquarters House and Üç Tepeler Martyrdom to the route is beneficial for understanding the entire period.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
The area is rural, and there are no food or beverage establishments nearby. It is recommended to bring water and snacks with you. Since the martyrdom is a memorial site, quiet and respectful behavior is expected. For those going by car, following the signs on the Zafertepeçalköy-Dumlupınar asphalt road is sufficient.
For Photography
The inscription face of the monument, with its list of names, is the most preferred shot. The hilltop location of the martyrdom offers a wide view of the Zafertepeçalköy countryside. The light is particularly suitable around sunset.
FAQ
Captain Şekip Efendi Martyrdom videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Updated:
