History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Edirnekapı Martyrdom is the greatest shrine of the Turkish nation's memory of independence and freedom, located just outside the historical Edirnekapı city wall gate, where the Byzantine land walls were breached during the conquest of Istanbul. The martyrdom, which was left with the graves of the holy veterans who were martyred while erecting standards on the walls during the siege under the command of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, is the eternal resting place of thousands of martyrs who died for the country, from the Ottoman period to the Gallipoli Battles, from the Balkan Wars to the War of Independence and today's heroes of the fight against terrorism. One of the most sacred places of martyrdom is the grave of our national poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the author of our National Anthem; Around it are the mausoleums of Captain Fethi, Sadık and Nuri Bey, the first martyrs of Turkish aviation history, and the martyrs of the police and firefighters. Rumor has it that in these lands where the conquest began, the souls of the martyrs are always waiting for Istanbul like a vigilant guard, as Akif said, 'If you squeeze the soil, it will gush out, shuheda!' His verses echo among these cypresses every morning. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It lies on a large hilly land at the western border of the Historical Peninsula, between the Edirnekapı land walls and the Rami Barracks axis, at an altitude of approximately 65 meters. It has an otherworldly green texture adorned with centuries-old grand cypress trees, pine groves and marble inscriptions. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the Martyrs' Cemetery is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.•Rules, Security and Stroller/Disabled Access: Unconditional respect, decency and dignity are essential at the Martyrs' Memorial site; Thanks to its asphalt and keystone main roads, it is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.•Facilities and Facilities:There are direction signs inside the Martyrs' Cemetery, Mehmet Akif Ersoy mausoleum, prayer benches, historical fountains and a mosque in the immediate vicinity. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Defterdar Mahallesi, Edirnekapı Şehitliği Caddesi, Eyüpsultan / İstanbul.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: It can be easily reached by passenger vehicles via the E-5 Highway (D-100) Edirnekapı junction or Vatan Street, via a completely urban asphalt road.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): When you get off at the 'Şehitlik' or 'Edirnekapı' stop of the T4 Topkapı-Mescid-i Selam Tram Line, you go directly to the martyrdom gate; It is also a 3-minute walk from the Metrobus Edirnekapı stop.•Parking Availability:Parking is available around the entrance gate of the Martyrs' Memorial and in the İspark Edirnekapı car park. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: Visitors should present Fatihas and Quran recitation to the souls of all our martyrs, especially the grave of our Independence Poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy; One should proceed among the graves with deep contemplation and respect.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:Cheerful and non-serious selfies should never be taken at the Martyrs' Memorial site; Documentary shots appropriate to the spiritual weight of graves and monuments should be preferred.•Important Commemoration Days:Spiritual emotion reaches its peak in the ceremonies held on March 12, the Adoption of the National Anthem and Mehmet Akif Ersoy Commemoration Day, and March 18, Martyrs' Memorial Day.•Ring Route:After the visit, you can visit Kariye Mosque, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Edirnekapı) and the Historical Land Walls walking path.