Aviation Martyrs' Monument

Aviation Martyrs' Monument is a memorial in Istanbul built around a white marble column that rises approximately 7.5 meters high. The structure features bronze embellishments, engraved inscriptions, and carved relief panels depicting aviation history.

The memorial was erected in 1916 to honor three Ottoman pilots who died during a flight attempt from Istanbul to Alexandria in 1914. This early aviation accident marked a pivotal moment in the region's aerial history.

Bronze medallions listing fallen pilots' names are set into the monument, alongside relief carvings of an early aircraft and the Beyazit Tower. These elements connect aviation history with Istanbul's landmarks, grounding the memorial in the city's visual identity.

The site is freely accessible to the public and located in the Fatih district, easily reached on foot. Commemorative events occur annually on March 18, which makes this a more crowded time if you wish to visit.

The column's top is deliberately broken, symbolizing the failed flight that led to the memorial's creation. This incomplete form tells a story of loss and an unfulfilled aviation journey.

Location: Istanbul

Architects: Vedat Tek

Official opening: 1916

GPS coordinates: 41.01593,28.95283

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06