The park contains the graves of over 250,000 soldiers from various countries who died during the eight-month-long conflict.
The Lone Pine memorial marks the site of one of the most intense infantry battles of the campaign.
The Gallipoli peninsula contains underwater shipwrecks from the naval engagement that are protected as part of a dedicated historic underwater park.
The 41.7-meter-high Martyrs' Memorial represents the Ottoman victory and dominates the southern tip of the peninsula.
The terrain features preserved trench systems that allow visitors to stand within the physical fortifications used by opposing forces.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who later became the founder of modern Turkey, commanded the 19th Division in the defense of this area.
The park was established in 1973 to preserve the historical integrity of the battlefield sites.
The terrain is largely comprised of scrubland and rugged hills that dictated the specific nature of the trench warfare experienced here.
The peninsula is a significant bird migration route, adding ecological importance to its historical status.
The Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park preserves the site of the 1915 WWI Dardanelles Campaign, spanning 33,000 hectares of battlefields, trenches, and war cemeteries. Located on the northern shore of the Dardanelles Strait, it functions as both an open-air museum and a protected memorial site for fallen soldiers from multiple nations. The terrain includes the steep cliffs of ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and the massive Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial. Extensive signage provides historical context regarding the defensive strategies employed by the Ottoman Empire against Allied forces. The site encompasses diverse ecosystems, including protected forests and coastal landscapes integrated with military history. Infrastructure includes walking paths through reconstructed trench networks and established memorial zones. It serves as a significant site for international commemoration ceremonies, particularly during April. The area is managed by the Çanakkale War Gallipoli Historical Site Directorate.
The elevated vantage point at the Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial overlooking the Dardanelles Strait.
Bring comfortable, durable walking shoes suitable for rugged, uneven terrain and steep hiking paths.
Carry sufficient water and sun protection, as the battlefield areas offer very little natural shade.
Focus on specific memorial areas rather than trying to walk the entire park, as it covers a vast geographical area.
Do not attempt to walk off-marked trails, as many areas contain sensitive historical artifacts and unstable earthworks.
Open daily year-round, though some smaller remote outposts may have reduced accessibility during severe winter weather.
Maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor at all times, as this is a mass grave site and a place of national mourning.
