History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Mersin Martyrdom is the eternal resting place of our beloved martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the unity, independence and survival of the nation, in the most exclusive and respected corner of the historical Akbelen City Cemetery, located within the borders of the Toroslar district. The area where the graves of dozens of brave men from Mersin are located, from the heroes of the Southern Front of the War of Independence to the veterans of the Cyprus Peace Operation, from cross-border operations to internal security martyrs, is the spiritual capital of the city. The Martyrs' Monument with a marble pedestal rising in the center of the martyrs' cemetery and our glorious red flags waving proudly at each grave keep the immortal memory of our martyrs alive. In the memory of the local people, it is conveyed with awe that the spirit of the Kuva-yi Milliye mujahideen, who saved Çukurova and Mersin port from occupation, is always on guard in these lands, and that an indescribable spiritual tranquility covers the martyrs' cemetery skies, especially on Fridays and holiday mornings. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located in Yusuf Kılıç District of Toroslar district, at an altitude of approximately 85 meters on the gently sloping Akbelen ridges with a bird's eye view of Mersin city center. It is surrounded by centuries-old cypress, pine, eucalyptus and Mediterranean citrus trees, and is equipped with regular cemetery landscaping and seasonal flower beds. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the martyrs' cemetery and cemetery is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.•Rules, Security and Stroller/Disabled Access: Unconditional respect, silence and decorum rules apply at the Martyrs' Memorial site; It is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible thanks to its interlocking parquet walkways.•Facilities and Facilities:There are Martyrs' Monument, prayer and condolence areas, benches, fountains and Akbelen Mosque and a parking area in the immediate vicinity. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Yusuf Kılıç Mahallesi, Akbelen Bulvarı No:45, Toroslar / Mersin.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It can be easily reached by passenger vehicles from Mersin port and coastline via a completely urban divided asphalt road connecting to Akbelen Boulevard or GMK Boulevard.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Municipal buses numbered 11M, 18M, 24M and 34M and Toroslar minibuses operating on the Akbelen, Çavuşlu and Toroslar routes of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality drop off passengers at the main gate stop of the Martyrs' Memorial.•Parking Availability:There is a large free parking area at the main entrance of Akbelen Cemetery and in front of the martyrs' cemetery. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: During the visit, graves should be greeted with dignity and decorum; The holy souls of our martyrs should be remembered with Fatiha-i Şerife, Ihlas surahs and prayers.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:Non-serious and cheerful selfies should never be taken at the Martyrs' Memorial site; Only respectful documentary shots should be made that reflect the spiritual nobility of the monument, grave inscriptions and waving flags.•Important Commemoration Days:The spiritual atmosphere reaches its peak in the official commemoration ceremonies held on 18 March Martyrs' Memorial Day and Çanakkale Victory, 3 January Liberation of Mersin and 30 August Victory Day.•Local Spiritual Tradition:Citizens who visit the graves sprinkle rosewater on the grave stones, leave myrtle leaves (myrt branches) and offer sweets or sweets for their souls.