History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Kütahya Air Martyrdom (Aircraft Martyrdom) is the eternal resting place of our heroic pilots and aviation officers-non-commissioned officers who sacrificed their lives in the defense of the sky and homeland, training flights and operations since the first years of Turkish aviation history. This sacred memorial area, identified with the Kütahya Air Private Training Brigade Command, keeps alive the memory of the airmen who reached the level of martyrdom in the skies. A deep belief has been passed on for generations among the local people and the Turkish airmen that the spirits of the martyred airmen continue to keep watch in the skies of Kütahya and the sounds of their wings echo in the sky. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The Martyrs' Cemetery was established on an airy and wide green area in the city center of Kütahya, at an altitude of approximately 950 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by lush acacia, cypress, birch and pine trees. It displays a solemn tranquility with its marble monumental columns and symbolic airplane propeller figures. 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 and military families between 08:30 - 18:00, 7 days a week.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The area is equipped with smooth marble and parquet paths and is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. One should be respectful and no noise should be made between graves.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a martyrdom monument base, marble inscriptions, a fountain, seating benches and a parking lot at the entrance. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:30 August Mahallesi, Pilot Caddesi, No:1-3, 43100 Merkez/Kütahya.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: It is on the divided asphalt boulevard going from Kütahya center towards Air Brigade and Station; It can be reached in 5 minutes by all passenger vehicles.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Kütahya city public buses numbered 1, 2, 7 and 11 pass directly from the Şehitlik stop.•Parking Availability:There is a free outdoor car parking area at the entrance of the Martyrs' Cemetery. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: Fatiha-i Şerife should be recited at the graves of our martyrs, conquerors of the sky, and prayers should be said for the heroes who died for the protection of the skies of the homeland.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:The symbolic aviation figures on the monument base and the waving flag can be documented with dignity; No disrespectful or recreational shooting should be done.•Important Commemoration Days:Mawlid and official commemoration ceremonies are held with the participation of military personnel and citizens on 15 May, Martyr Airmen's Day, 18 March, Martyrs' Day, and 30 August, Victory Day.•Local Spiritual Tradition:Privates who take the oath ceremony in the Air Brigade and their families visit the martyrs' cemetery and pray before discharge.