History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Aksaray Martyrdom is the eternal resting place of the heroic Turkish soldiers and police who sacrificed their lives in defense of the homeland. Rising in the spiritual atmosphere of the historical Ervah Cemetery, the monument keeps alive the memory of the heroes of Aksaray who were martyred in the Gallipoli War, the War of Independence, Korea, the Cyprus Peace Operation and the anti-terrorism operations. In the stories passed down from generation to generation among the people of Aksaray, the unprecedented sacrifices made by the soldiers who went on expeditions from these lands blessed with the prayers of Somuncu Baba are remembered with respect. The Martyrs' Monument is one of the most sacred monuments in the city, with its marble base and reliefs of crescents and stars rising into the sky. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The martyrs' cemetery, located in the west of Aksaray city center, in the Zafer District and Ervah Cemetery, is at an altitude of approximately 980 meters. In the area with the characteristic continental climate of Central Anatolia, centuries-old black pines, cypress trees and landscape roses surrounding the martyrs' graves create a peaceful green texture. The marble roads and ceremony area created within the scope of landscaping welcome visitors with spiritual dignity. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the Martyrs' Cemetery is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Official commemoration ceremonies are held on 18 March Martyrs' Memorial Day and 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.•Rules, Security and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: The rules of silence and respect in line with spiritual dignity must be followed within the Martyrdom. It is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible thanks to its flat-footed marble walkways.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a ceremony area, flag bases, seating benches, a fountain, Ervah Mosque and a parking area in the immediate vicinity. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Zafer Mahallesi, Somuncu Baba Cad. No:18, Inside Ervah Cemetery, Center / Aksaray.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: It is approximately 2 km away from Aksaray Government Square and the road is completely two-lane urban asphalt; It can be reached without any problems by any kind of passenger vehicle.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can reach the cemetery gate directly from the city square in 10 minutes with Aksaray Municipality Zafer-Ervah public bus lines numbered 1, 3 and 7.•Parking Availability:There is a free parking area with a capacity of approximately 100 vehicles at the entrance of the Martyrs' Memorial and Cemetery. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: When entering the martyrs' cemetery area, greetings should be given, one should not step between the graves, the Holy Quran should be recited and the Surahs Fatiha and Ihlas should be presented to the souls of our martyrs.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:Instead of entertaining selfies at the graves of martyrs, only shots that respectfully document the architectural dignity of the monument and the glorious inscriptions on the grave stones should be taken.•Important Commemoration Days:Mawlid and commemoration programs are organized with the provincial protocol and public participation on March 18, Martyrs' Day, September 19, Veterans Day, and on the eve of religious holidays.•Local Spiritual Tradition:On Eve and Eid days, Somuncu Baba bread and halva from Somuncu Baba bakery are distributed and prayers are offered for the souls of our beloved martyrs.