Located in coastal Atatürk Park roughly 66 feet from the Mediterranean Sea, the Mersin Martyrs' Memorial offers you a solemn and reflective space to honor Turkish maritime history. Also recognized as the Monument of the Refah Martyrs, this impressive structure resembles a fat obelisk set within an 8,600-square-foot yard. When you visit, you will learn about two tragic sea events memorialized at this single site: the 1890 sinking of the Ottoman frigate Ertuğrul in bad weather off Japan, which claimed over 500 sailors, and the 1941 torpedoing of the cargo ship Refah, which killed 168 personnel during World War II.
Inspired by a trip to Japan's Kushimoto Turkish Memorial, Naval Commander Celal Eyiveoğlu worked with local leaders to open this monument on June 23, 1972. As you explore the grounds, check out the obelisk's outer walls. While the main door faces northwest toward the city center, you can read detailed historic inscriptions on the remaining three sides.
These carvings include accounts of both maritime tragedies, a message from Chief of Staff Fevzi Çakmak, and a tribute referencing the sister memorial in Kushimoto.
What to see at Mersin Martyrs' Memorial
- Obelisk-style monument set in an 8,600-square-foot yard inside Atatürk Park
- Inscriptions commemorating the 1890 sinking of the Ottoman frigate Ertuğrul
- Southwest panel dedicated to the 1941 Refah tragedy during World War II
- Historical inscription featuring a message from Chief of Staff Fevzi Çakmak
Visiting tips
Walk along the three outer walls of the monument to read the historic inscriptions detailing both naval tragedies.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Mersin Martyrs' Memorial is easy to reach on Mersin’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Soli and Atatürk Park. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Mersin travel guide.
See the full Mersin travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.