The monument was commissioned by the Governor of Samsun, Kazım Pasha, and funded through a public donation campaign by the residents of the city.
Sculptor Heinrich Krippel worked on the statue in Vienna before it was cast in bronze and shipped to Turkey.
The statue depicts Atatürk mounted on his horse, Sakarya, looking out toward the Black Sea.
The monument base features relief sculptures depicting the landing of the Bandırma ferry in Samsun.
In 2022, the statue was the subject of a significant public preservation effort following a failed vandalism attempt, reinforcing its status as a protected national landmark.
The Onur Anıtı, or Honor Monument, is a bronze equestrian statue located in Samsun, Turkey, commemorating the arrival of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the city on May 19, 1919. It serves as the symbolic starting point of the Turkish War of Independence. Sculpted by the Austrian artist Heinrich Krippel, the statue was inaugurated on January 15, 1932. The bronze figure stands 4.75 meters tall, with the total monument height reaching 8.85 meters including its pedestal. It is positioned within Atatürk Park, a significant public space in the İlkadım district. The monument is widely considered the iconic symbol of Samsun and a focal point for national memorial ceremonies. It remains a site of historical importance for understanding the early Republic era of Turkey.
From the front-left angle of the statue, which captures both the rider's profile and the relief details on the base.
Visit during the early morning to capture the statue without the glare of the sun reflecting off the bronze.
Walk the perimeter of the surrounding park to view the surrounding historical city architecture.
Combine your visit with a walk toward the coastal promenade located nearby.
Do not attempt to climb the pedestal, as it is a protected historical site with active security monitoring.
