Sergeant Yahya Martyrs’ Cemetery was built to commemorate the Turkish soldiers who were martyred at the Ertuğrul Bay landing operation across from the Ertuğrul Bastion. It was constructed by the Ministry of Culture in 1992 in memory of the Turkish soldiers assigned to the 9th Division 26th Regiment 3rd Battalion defending Ertuğrul Bay at the landing operation of April 25, 1915. On the huge monolith of the Martyrs’ Cemetery are the commemorations for the 148 Turkish martyrs and 67 symbolic stones in the shape of Turkey in front of the monolith, as well as other Turkish martyrs. The Turkish troops were heavily outnumbered by the enemy and defended against the assault of the 29th Division over 5 km of coastline in an outstanding manner. In blocking Alçıtepe (Achi Baba) from the British, the Turkish troops were triumphant as the war turned on a dime.

The resistant Turkish defense of only few troops rendered it difficult for the advance of the Allies, and gained time for Turkish reinforcements to arrive. The British 29th Division attacking from Ertuğrul Bay (V Beach) was tasked with capturing Alçıtepe (Achi Baba) (the highest point at the region) by surpassing the Turkish defense with the support of other troops. However, Sergeant Yahya of Ezine of the 10th Company of the Battalion took command after the martyryzation of the Company Commander Captain Hüseyin Hüsnü Bey and became a symbolic hero of strong resistance with his friends.  

The following is inscribed on the north side of the Cemetery: I commemorate with mercy and gratitude these heroes who were martyred for the country and the flag. May you rest in peace in the holy lands of this country where you readily sacrificed your lives. May your souls rest in peace…

Mustafa Kemal 1928. On the western side the following is inscribed: “They were a squadron of heroes and Sergeant Yahya/ Here they willingly fought with 3 regiments/ The enemy thought these privates were a Division / They wished for God and met Him by the night... Governor Nail Memik, On the east side are the following words: Who then can dig the grave wide enough to hold you and your story? / If we try to consign you to history, you will not fit! / Oh martyr, son of the martyr, do not ask me about the grave / The prophet awaits you now, his arms flung wide open, to save! whereas the following were inscribed on the south side of the façade:Who would not sacrifice his life for this paradise of a homeland / Martyrs would burst forth should one simply squeeze the soil! Martyrs! / May God take my life, all my loved ones, and possessions from me if He will, / But let Him not deprive me of my one true homeland in the world.

The Turkish trenches on the front line, which are located within the boundaries of the martyrs’ cemetery and still survive to this day, are open to visitors.