History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Kop Mountain Martyrs' Monument is a monumental structure that perpetuates the cherished memory of thousands of heroic Turkish soldiers who were martyred in the Battle of Kop Mountain, which was fought against the Russian armies in the Caucasus Front of World War I in 1916 and went down in military history as the 'Second Pleven Defense'. Turkish troops under the command of Marshal Fevzi Çakmak defended the Kop Pass for more than 5 months, despite the freezing cold and limited ammunition resources, and prevented the enemy from advancing into Anatolia. Among the local people, the legend that the footsteps of the martyrs who still keep watch at night echo on the smoky peaks of the mountain and that the land of the homeland is protected by their prayers is told with respect. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located at an altitude of approximately 2,410 meters, at the summit of the Kop Pass, which connects the Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia. It is surrounded by high mountain meadows, thyme-scented alpine steppes and steep ridges covered with meters of snow during the winter months. The hill where the monument is located is an extremely dominant and strategic point with a 360-degree view of the Çoruh Basin and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the Martyrs' Monument and the monument area is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; During the winter months, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours due to heavy snow and blizzards.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Spiritual decorum and dignity must be maintained at the Martyrs' Memorial site. Stroller and wheelchair movement can be somewhat challenging due to the stepped paths leading up to the monument and the open-air terrain; Windproof clothing is recommended.•Facilities and Facilities:There are monument base, ceremony area, car park, information boards and recreational facilities right next to the highway. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Kop Pass Summit, Erzurum - Bayburt Highway 35th km, Center / Bayburt.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 35 km from Bayburt city center and approximately 85 km from Erzurum city center; It is on the international transit highway and the asphalt road quality is high for passenger vehicles.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): All intercity buses and district minibuses operating from Bayburt Intercity Bus Terminal to Erzurum drop off passengers at the monument junction at the summit of Kop Pass.•Parking Availability:There is a free outdoor parking area for approximately 50 vehicles right under the monument. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: When visitors arrive at the monument base, they should stand with respect and recite Fatihas and Yasin-i Sharifs to the holy souls of our martyrs of the War of Independence and the Caucasian Front.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:The majestic architecture of the monument, its marble columns reaching into the sky and its historical defense trenches should be photographed with dignity; Casual selfies should be avoided.•Important Commemoration Days:As part of the Kop Martyrs' Commemoration Ceremonies held every year in July, Mawlid-i Sharif is recited and a march is held with the veterans.•Local Spiritual Tradition:On commemoration days, visitors are served traditional Bayburt kete, halva and hot tea.