The Gediz Monument is a marble monument erected in Abide Village, Gediz district of Kütahya, in memory of four cavalry soldiers who fell as martyrs in the War of Independence; it was restored in 1995.
The Gediz Monument stands in Abide Village, part of the Gediz district of Kütahya. It is a 3-meter-high marble monument, set on an elevated podium and surrounded by railings. It features Ottoman Turkish inscriptions on two of its facades. The monument was erected for the martyrs of the Turkish cavalry army who fought in this region, cutting off the Greek army's retreat towards Izmir and forcing their surrender in Uşak.
Four names are mentioned in the inscriptions: Cavalry Sergeant İbrahim Musa from Ara Nahiye of Amasra (54th Regiment), Cavalry Private Mehmet Ömer from Kuyubağı Village of Muğla (5th Regiment), Private Ömer Satılmış from Ladik (2nd Battery), and Cavalry Private İsmail Hüseyin from Çavuş Village of Çankırı (20th Regiment). The monument was built after the War of Independence and underwent landscaping and restoration in 1995.
The region is not on Kütahya's main tourist route; visitors here are usually those going to see Gediz or the nearby Murat Mountain. The monument itself is small-scale, and the visit duration is short, but it is a meaningful stop for those interested in this corner of the War of Independence.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Kütahya historical places, Tavşanlı Grand Mosque.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Since the monument is outdoors, on a podium surrounded by railings, it can be visited year-round. Spring and autumn months offer more comfortable temperatures. In summer, the area can be hot during midday, so morning or late afternoon might be preferable. In winter, snowfall can occur around Gediz, so it's advisable to check the weather before setting off.
How to Get There
Access is provided by vehicles going from Kütahya city center to Gediz, a distance of 94 kilometers. Going by your own car is the most practical way; the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Those preferring public transport can find numerous daily bus services from Kütahya bus station to Gediz, with the journey taking about 1 hour and 25 minutes. After reaching Gediz, Abide Village is a short distance away; from there, you can continue by taxi or local dolmuş.
What to See in Gediz
In addition to the monument, Gediz district is located at the foothills of Murat Mountain. In winter, visitors to the region also explore Sarıçiçek Plateau and its thermal ski resort. Those coming to see the monument usually spend the rest of their day in Gediz center or around Murat Mountain, as the monument itself is a brief stop.
How Much Time to Allocate
A visit to the Gediz Monument takes 15-20 minutes; it's not a large area, and reading the inscriptions and taking photos is sufficient. If you're going to Gediz solely for this monument, allocating half a day, including travel time, is realistic. For those wishing to add Murat Mountain or Sarıçiçek Plateau to their itinerary, planning a full day is more sensible.
Suggested Itinerary
Starting from Kütahya city center, you can first visit attractions like Kütahya Castle and the Tile Museum within the city. Then, head towards Gediz and stop at the Gediz Monument in Abide Village. If time permits, Aizanoi Ancient City can also be added to this route, either before or after visiting Gediz; however, since Aizanoi is in Çavdarhisar, the route needs to be well-planned.
Things to Consider
Since the monument is located in a rural village, services such as cafes and markets are limited in its vicinity. It's more convenient to get food and water supplies from Gediz center. Road signs may not always be clear, so using a map application or asking a local for directions in Gediz is helpful. Access for wheelchairs or strollers is not suitable due to the podium and railings.
Photography Tips
To clearly see the Ottoman inscriptions on both facades of the monument, it's beneficial to go during daylight hours when the sun is not directly overhead, such as in the morning or late afternoon. Marble surfaces can glare in the midday sun, obscuring details. Taking wide-angle shots from around the railings of the podium reflects the monument's sense of height in the photograph.
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