Statue of Honor 🇹🇷

When you visit the İlkadım district in Samsun, Turkey, make sure to explore Atatürk Park to see the city's defining landmark, the Statue of Honor (also known as the Atatürk Monument or Onur Anıtı). You will find a powerful historical tribute dedicated to the pivotal landing of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Samsun, an event that initiated the Turkish War of Independence. As you approach this impressive landmark, you can admire the craftsmanship of Austrian sculptor Heinrich Krippel.

Commissioned in 1927 by Governor Kâzım Pasha, the bronze equestrian statue was cast in Vienna at Vereinigte Metallwerke between 1928 and 1931. The artwork was transported across Europe in 32 separate boxes from Hamburg aboard the SS Nicea, arriving in Samsun before being mounted on Republic Day in 1931 and officially inaugurated in January 1932. During your visit, you will see a towering structure reaching a total height of 8.85 meters (29.0 feet), with the central bronze equestrian statue itself standing 4.75 meters (15.6 feet) high.

It marks Krippel's fourth artwork in Turkey and stands as the nation's thirteenth monument dedicated to Atatürk. It is an essential stop to experience local heritage and historic Turkish art.

What to see at Statue of Honor

• Commemorates Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's landing in Samsun, which initiated the Turkish War of Independence.
• Features a 4.75-meter (15.6 ft) bronze equestrian statue crafted in Vienna by sculptor Heinrich Krippel.
• Stands at a total height of 8.85 meters (29.0 ft) within Atatürk Park.
• Shipped from Hamburg, Germany, to Turkey in 32 separate boxes aboard the SS Nicea in 1931.

Visiting tips

Take time while strolling through Atatürk Park in the İlkadım district to view this landmark up close.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Statue of Honor is easy to reach on Samsun’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Samsun travel guide.