The Martyr Standard Bearer Mehmetçik Monument is a monument dedicated to the martyrs of the Great Offensive, located on Berberçam Hill in Altıntaş district of Kütahya, opened in 1927; it symbolizes the fall of the standard bearer martyr seen by Atatürk on the battlefield, holding his standard.
The story begins on August 31, 1922. While Atatürk was touring the battlefield, he saw a standard bearer who had fallen as a martyr in a crater opened by an enemy artillery shell. His arm, stiffened above the ground, was still holding the standard upright. Deeply moved by this sight, the Commander-in-Chief ordered this scene to be chosen as a symbol for the Martyr Soldier Monument to be built after the war.
Atatürk laid the foundation of the monument on August 30, 1924, in Zafertepe, and the monument was opened to visitors in 1927. The story does not end here. With Law No. 220 enacted in 1961, it was decided to move the monument to Berberçam Hill, where the actual event took place. When the Victory Monument was built in Zafertepe in 1964, the old monument was dismantled and first moved to the Afyonkarahisar Museum, then rebuilt in its current location in 1979 and opened to visitors on August 30, 1979.
Most visitors come here without knowing the story of the martyr. The frequently mentioned expression in comments is this: being moved after reading the story. The surrounding trees and silence are also prominent details in the comments. It is not a crowded tourist stop, but rather a quiet place for visitation and remembrance.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Kütahya, Historical Places, Kütahya historical places, Poet Şeyhi (Hekim Sinan) Tomb.
Guide's Note
The Story of the Monument
On August 31, 1922, Atatürk, while touring the area where the Battle of Dumlupınar took place, saw a martyred standard bearer buried in a crater opened by an enemy artillery shell. His arm, remaining above the ground, was still holding the standard aloft. This scene gave birth to the idea of the monument to be built after the war. In his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony on August 30, 1924, Atatürk stated that this monument would be the eternal symbol of the Turkish nation and the spirits of the martyrs.
Best Time to Visit
Since it is an open-air monument and hot in summer, spring or autumn months are more comfortable. Around August 30th, Victory Day, remembrance ceremonies are held here, and visiting during that period gains both historical and emotional significance. In winter months, access to the region may become difficult depending on weather conditions.
How to Get There
The monument is located within the borders of Zafertepe Çalköy, a village in Altıntaş district of Kütahya, in the Berberçam Hill area. A 600-meter road branching left from the second kilometer of the Zafertepe Çalköy-Dumlupınar asphalt leads to the monument. It is approximately 80 kilometers from Kütahya city center. Going by your own car is the most practical way. Since public transport options are limited, it is necessary to continue by taxi or private car from Altıntaş.
Other Martyrs' Memorials in the Vicinity
If you come to the region, you can also include Dumlupınar Atatürk Headquarters House and Üç Tepeler Martyrs' Memorial in your itinerary for the same day. Since these three points are close to each other, they form a single-day tour for those who want to see the history of Kütahya's liberation comprehensively. Starting in Dumlupınar before noon allows for comfortable use of the day.
Things to Consider During Your Visit
As this is a martyrs' memorial and remembrance area, a quiet and respectful demeanor is expected. As frequently mentioned in comments, visitors experience emotional moments here, so avoiding noisy visits would be appropriate. Shaded areas are limited, so it's a good idea to bring a hat and water in summer. Keep in mind that the road leading up to the hill is steep for wheelchair access.
Good Spots for Photos
The main sculpture group, highlighting the standard figure of the monument, is clearer in the early hours of the day. The wooded area around the hill offers a wide view in the background, especially in autumn, the colors add a special atmosphere to the photo. Shots taken from the bottom of the stairs leading to the monument better reflect the size of the structure.
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