Cemetery of State Dignitaries

Description

The Cemetery of State Dignitaries, the eternal resting place of prominent statesmen of the Republic of Turkey, is an important stop for national history and memories.

Story

The Cemetery of State Dignitaries is a special monumental cemetery established in the Yenimahalle district of Ankara to preserve the memory of important statesmen in the history of the Republic of Turkey and to pass it on to future generations. Construction began in 1988 and it was completed and opened to visitors in 1989. This cemetery hosts the graves of close associates of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, and individuals who served as presidents. The cemetery has a simple yet impressive architectural design. The gravestones, spread over a wide and orderly area, are blended with the modern lines of Turkish architecture. Each gravestone is crafted with respect appropriate to the personality and services of the deceased statesman. This place is more than just a cemetery; it is an open-air museum representing the founding philosophy of the Republic of Turkey, its struggle for independence, and its efforts towards modernization. Visitors to the cemetery have the opportunity to pay their respects in the presence of individuals who witnessed the country's recent past, made important decisions, and played a major role in Turkey's development to the present day. As visitors walk through the cemetery, each state...

Visit Tips

• Check the opening and closing hours of the cemetery in advance.
• Choose appropriate clothing for a respectful visit.
• Maintain silence within the cemetery and avoid disturbing the environment.
• Read the information panels next to each gravestone to get detailed information about the state dignitaries.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes to easily explore the large area of the cemetery.

Photos