The name 'Havuzlar' refers to the pools or reservoirs that were historically present in this area for water supply during the campaign.
It is located in the vicinity of the historic Kilitbahir Fortress, a critical defensive structure from the Ottoman era.
The memorial commemorates the sacrifice of the Turkish soldiers, many of whom were stationed in the support camps located along this valley.
Unlike the larger, more centralized Martyr's Memorial, this site offers a more localized view of the defensive positions held by the Ottoman 3rd Army Corps.
Havuzlar Şehitliği ve Anıtı is a memorial site dedicated to soldiers who fell during the 1915 Gallipoli Campaign. The site is situated near the village of Kilitbahir on the Gallipoli Peninsula. It serves as a commemorative space for the Ottoman forces who defended the Dardanelles against Allied naval and ground forces. The monument is characterized by its stone architecture and organized layout within a landscape of pine trees. It remains a key stop for visitors exploring the wider Gallipoli Historical National Park. The site provides historical context to the logistics and support operations that occurred in this specific sector of the battlefield.
The elevated vantage point facing the monument allows for a view of the structure framed by the Gallipoli hills.
Bring sun protection and water, as the site has limited shade and the area can be very hot during summer months.
Coordinate your visit with a trip to the nearby Namazgah Bastion to understand the broader defensive network.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes to navigate the gravel paths surrounding the monument.
Do not wander off marked paths into the surrounding scrubland due to uneven terrain and potential wildlife.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor as it is a burial site; dress modestly.
