The İnönü Monument is a memorial completed in 1947 in Malatya Governor's Office square, featuring figures of a War of Independence soldier, athlete, student, farmer, and worker on its pedestal; it can be visited for free in the city center.
It stands in the square in front of the Malatya Governor's Office building, above the Grand Bazaar. Construction began in 1946 and was completed a year later. The sculptors are Nejat Sirel and Hakkı Atamulu. The pedestal is made of ancient white stone, with different figures carved into its four facades: a fully equipped Mehmetçik (Turkish soldier) who participated in the War of Independence, a young athlete holding a discus, a student holding a book in one hand and a torch in the other, a male and female farmer couple working in a wheat field, and a worker at an anvil with a hammer.
The construction of the monument is a story in itself. According to contemporary sources, while there wasn't even a proper road in the city in those years, a large portion of the 290 thousand TL collected was paid to the sculptors, and the rest was allocated for road construction. Today, the square is a point where the city's traffic and pedestrian flow intersect. You don't need to plan a special trip to see the monument; you'll pass by it anyway while strolling in the center.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Malatya historical places, Gündüzbey.
Guide's Note
The Story of the Monument
Construction of the monument began in 1946 and was completed in 1947. Sculptors Nejat Sirel and Hakkı Atamulu used ancient white stone for the pedestal. At that time, a large portion of the 290 thousand TL collected was given to the sculptors, while the rest was spent on road construction, even though there wasn't a proper road in the city. This detail shows how important an investment the monument was for Malatya at that time.
What the Reliefs Tell
There are different figures on the four facades of the pedestal: a fully equipped Mehmetçik (Turkish soldier) who participated in the War of Independence, an athlete holding a discus, a student holding a book in one hand and a torch in the other, a farmer couple working in a wheat field, and a worker at an anvil with a hammer. Each side symbolizes a different social theme. You can see all four by walking around the statue.
How to Get There
The monument is located in front of the Malatya Governor's Office building, in the upper part of the Grand Bazaar. Since it is in the city center, it is easily accessible by public transport. It can be easily added to a walking route as it is close to other attractions in the center.
Visit Duration
As it is a monument located in an open square, it does not require a long visit. You can examine all four figures on the pedestal and take photos within ten to fifteen minutes. It can be visited as part of a Malatya city center tour, while strolling around the Grand Bazaar or the Governor's Office area.
Nearby Stops
Since the monument is right above the Grand Bazaar, it can be combined with a bazaar visit. The area around the Governor's Office building and other historical sites in the city center are also within walking distance. Plan it as a short stop at the beginning or end of your city center tour.
Things to Know
Since the monument is in an open square, there are no special entry restrictions. As it is located at a point with heavy traffic in the city center, be careful when crossing the square. Seating areas around the monument are limited; it is suitable for a short stop, not for spending a long time.
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