History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Niğde Martyrs' Monument and Garrison Martyrdom was built to perpetuate the cherished memory of the heroic Niğdeli Mehmetçik, police officers and all the sons of the country, including Martyr Senior Petty Officer Ömer Halisdemir, who willingly sacrificed their lives in defense of the homeland, from the Gallipoli Wars to the Eastern and Western fronts of the War of Independence, from the fight against terrorism to the July 15 democracy victory. The crescent and star monument column rising on marble bases symbolizes the national resistance spirit of the people of Niğde. Among the local people, a deep belief in loyalty that the spiritual spirit of the martyrs who died for the homeland protects the entire Niğde skies from Aladağlar to Hasan Mountain has been kept alive with respect for generations. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The martyrs' cemetery and monument area is located in the city center of Niğde, on the Derbent ridge, at an altitude of approximately 1,230 meters above sea level. The area, surrounded by grand larch pines, cedars and seasonal flower beds compatible with the Central Anatolian steppe vegetation, offers a dignified and deep spiritual tranquility in the center of the city. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:The martyrs' cemetery and monument area is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to public visits and prayers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.•Rules, Security and Stroller/Disabled Access: The cemetery area is equipped with paved roads and is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. Respect and dignity should be observed between graves.•Facilities and Facilities:Monument base, marble inscriptions, fountain, benches and lighting are available. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Aşağı Kayabaşı Mahallesi, Derbent Mevkii, 51100 Merkez/Niğde.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is within walking and short driving distance to Niğde Governorship and Ömer Halisdemir Square. It can be easily reached by all passenger vehicles via the fully asphalt urban main roads.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Niğde Municipality private public buses and central minibuses (Derbent - Çarşı line) can be reached in 1 minute by getting off at the stop right in front of the martyrs' cemetery.•Parking Availability:There are free car parking spaces at the entrance of the Martyrs' Cemetery. Spiritual Visiting Etiquette and Commemoration Guidelines•Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: One should stand at the graves with respect, turning towards the qibla, and the Surahs of Fatiha and Ihlas should be donated to the holy souls of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Martyr Ömer Halisdemir and all our martyrs.•Documentary & Respectful Shooting:Martyrs' monuments and inscriptions can be photographed with respect and dignity; Flirty fun selfies should be avoided.•Important Commemoration Days:Commemoration ceremonies are held with provincial protocol and public participation on 18 March Martyrs' Memorial Day, 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day and 30 August Victory Day.•Local Spiritual Tradition:On Fridays and holy nights, lokma and Niğde soda are served to the visitors of the martyrs' cemetery.