Yahya Çavuş Martyrdom

Yahya Çavuş Martyrdom Site is a memorial built in honor of the soldiers who lost their lives defending Ertuğrul Bay during the Gallipoli Campaign. The site is located directly opposite the Ertuğrul Battery.

Constructed by the Ministry of Culture in 1992, this monument commemorates the Turkish soldiers of the 3rd Battalion of the 26th Regiment of the 9th Division who defended Ertuğrul Bay during the landing on 25 April 1915.^【1】

On 25 April 1915, as part of the land battles that began on that date, the British 29th Division launched a large-scale offensive along a five-kilometer stretch of coastline. The strategic objective of the British forces in this area was to capture Alçıtepe, the most dominant point in the region, by linking up with other units. In response, the Turkish units deployed in the area demonstrated remarkable resistance against enemy forces that greatly outnumbered them. This steadfast defense hindered the advance of the Allied powers and provided the Turkish units with the crucial time needed to influence the course of the battles.^【2】

Following the martyrdom of Captain Hüseyin Hüsnü Bey, commander of the 10th Company, the leadership vacuum was filled by Ezineli Yahya Çavuş. Assuming command, Yahya Çavuş and his soldiers displayed fierce resistance and became symbols of the defense. The determination shown by Yahya Çavuş and his unit led the enemy to believe that Turkish forces in the area were far more numerous—on a divisional scale.^【3】

^{Yahya Çavuş Şehitliği} (Gelibolu Tarihi Alan Başkanlığı)

The martyrdom site comprises various symbolic and informative elements. The main inscription on the structure lists the names of 148 martyrs. Directly in front of this large inscription stand 67 symbolic tombstones arranged on a motif representing Türkiye. Additionally, within the boundaries of the site are original Turkish frontline trenches from 1915 that have been preserved in their original state to this day.^【4】

On the four distinct facades of the Yahya Çavuş Martyrdom Site, texts highlighting the meaning and significance of the battle are inscribed:

• North Facade: This side features a text written by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1928, expressing gratitude and reverence for the soldiers who gave their lives for the homeland.
• West Facade: A poem composed by Governor Nail Memik, which recounts the struggle of Yahya Çavuş and his unit against three enemy regiments.
• East Facade: Verses by Mehmet Akif Ersoy that emphasize the martyrdom’s dignity and historical depth.
• South Facade: Passages from the İstiklal Marşı (Independence March), composed by Mehmet Akif Ersoy, that focus on themes of homeland and martyrs.^【5】