The Dumlupınar First Target Monument is located in the Dumlupınar district of Kütahya. Opened in 1972 at the headquarters where Mustafa Kemal Pasha gave the order "Armies, your first target is the Mediterranean, forward!" on September 1, 1922, it depicts the Commander-in-Chief Battle with its 4-meter bronze Atatürk statue, 12-meter concrete background, and cavalry reliefs.
The monument is built exactly on the headquarters where the order was given. On September 1, 1922, Mustafa Kemal Pasha gave the order to the Grand National Assembly Armies from here: "Armies, Your First Target is the Mediterranean. Forward!.." A day earlier, Kütahya had been liberated from enemy occupation at 6:00 PM. Its foundation was laid in 1964, construction was partially completed in 1968, and the monument could only be opened to visitors on August 26, 1972. So, its construction took almost eight years.
Visually, the monument consists of three parts: a 4-meter-high bronze Atatürk statue, a 12-meter reinforced concrete background behind it, and bronze reliefs depicting cavalry units on this background. The concrete background actually symbolizes lightning flashes, a design choice that visually conveys the intensity of the war. Since the monument is outdoors, in an open area, it can always be seen. It is possible to enter here even when some museums in the region are closed.
It is located in Dumlupınar district, approximately 83 km from Kütahya city center. It can be visited alone or as a stop on the route of the Commander-in-Chief Historical National Park. On the same route, there are also the Dumlupınar War of Independence Museum, Atatürk Headquarters House, and Dumlupınar Martyrs' Cemetery.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Kütahya historical places, Seyitömer Mound.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The monument is outdoors and can be visited all year round. Summer months might be uncomfortable in the midday heat, so prefer morning or late afternoon hours. Around August 30th Victory Day, the landscaping is refreshed, and there's a ceremonial atmosphere in the monument area. Visiting during this period holds special significance.
How to Get There
From Kütahya city center to Dumlupınar district, it's approximately 83 km by private car, taking about an hour. For public transport, you can use Dumlupınar bus services, but their frequency is low. Keep this in mind when planning your day. It's also possible to walk to the monument from the district center.
Other Stops Nearby
The monument is part of the Commander-in-Chief Historical National Park. In the same area, you'll find the Dumlupınar War of Independence Museum, Atatürk Headquarters House, Dumlupınar Martyrs' Cemetery, and the Militia Monument. If you're planning a day trip, these stops are close to each other and can be visited on a single route. Museums may sometimes be closed, but the monument, being in an open area, is always accessible.
How Much Time to Allocate
20-30 minutes is sufficient for the monument itself. If you add the surrounding museums and historical sites, half a day is needed. If you plan a tour covering all of Dumlupınar, it's good to allocate a full day.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The monument is in an open area, there are no entry restrictions, and it can be visited for free. The operating hours of nearby museums may vary; if you plan to visit a museum on the same route, confirm the current opening information of the relevant museum before you go. Shaded areas are limited at the monument site, so it's advisable to bring sun protection in summer months.
Good Spots for Photos
The bronze statue and the 12-meter concrete background behind it are best seen together in a wide-angle shot. The cavalry reliefs on the background become more prominent in the afternoon light. Those who want to capture details can prefer this time.
Historical Significance of the Monument
The Commander-in-Chief Battle began between August 26-30, 1922, in Afyonkarahisar Kocatepe, and resulted in a great victory along the Zafertepe-Çalköy-Dumlupınar line. The headquarters where Mustafa Kemal Pasha gave his historic order is the location of today's monument. Visitors say that while touring the monument, this historical background is explained on-site, and there is an atmosphere that makes one feel the magnitude of the war.
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