Seyit Ali Çabuk is credited with firing the shell that disabled the British battleship HMS Ocean during the naval operations at the Dardanelles.
The memorial marks the birthplace of the soldier, formerly known as Çamlık village, which was renamed Kocaseyit in his honor.
He served as a professional soldier for 16 years, returning to his village to work as a charcoal burner and forester after his service.
The artillery piece replica at the site reflects the '276 kg' shell weight often cited in oral histories, though official military records generally estimate the shell weight at 215 kg.
The site receives significant state recognition, with official commemorations held regularly to honor his contribution to the Dardanelles victory.
The Kocaseyit Memorial commemorates Corporal Seyit Ali Çabuk, a soldier celebrated for single-handedly carrying a 215-kilogram artillery shell during the Gallipoli Campaign. Located in his home village of Kocaseyit in the Havran district of Balıkesir, the site features a statue of the soldier and his final resting place. The memorial serves as a national monument to Turkish resilience during World War I. Visitors can explore the nearby Seyit Onbaşı Museum, which houses personal artifacts and items related to his military service. The site is maintained as a symbol of local and national pride, reflecting the history of the Havran region.
The main statue of Seyit Ali Çabuk holding the artillery shell, which serves as the site's focal point.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Seyit Onbaşı Museum to gain context on his life.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the site includes both the memorial statue area and the adjacent burial ground.
Respect the solemnity of the space as it is a grave site and a place of national commemoration.
Do not treat the site as a casual recreational park; maintain decorum consistent with a military memorial.
Maintain a quiet demeanor as the site includes a burial ground; modest clothing is expected out of respect for a war memorial.
