Discover the 57th Regiment Cemetery: A Tribute to Heroism and Sacrifice

Nestled just over 1 kilometer uphill from Lone Pine, the 57th Regiment Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to the valor of the Ottoman 57th Regiment. This historic site, located on the eastern side of the road, honors the officers and soldiers led by Mustafa Kemal (later known as Atatürk) who bravely sacrificed their lives to halt the initial Anzac assaults during the Gallipoli Campaign.

The 57th Infantry Regiment was a distinguished unit of the 19th Division. Alongside the 27th Infantry Regiment, it was one of the first to respond following the Landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915. As they prepared to counterattack on that fateful day, the 19th Division commander, Staff Lieutenant-Colonel Mustafa Kemal, famously ordered the regiment:

“I do not order you to attack, I order you to die! In the time which passes until we die, other troops and commanders can take our place.”

This courageous order exemplified the determination and sacrifice of the 57th Regiment. The regiment significantly slowed the Allied advance, but at a great cost, losing about half of its personnel. Mustafa Kemal later remarked that the 57th Regiment was “a famous regiment this, because it was completely wiped out.”

The 57th Regiment Cemetery consists of a fountain, an open-air mosque, the main cemetery, and a monument. The primary material used in the cemetery is Kevser stone, which is commonly used in Seljuk and Ottoman caravanserais.

The main cemetery section of the memorial has an arched entrance, and the pedestrian path starting from this entrance ends at the northern wall. On top of the northern wall, which forms the base of the monument, there are marble plaques inscribed with the names of the 57th Regiment martyrs.

A Legacy of Courage: Hüseyin Kaçmaz and Beyond

One of the cemetery’s most poignant features is the statue of an elderly man guiding his granddaughter through the battle sites. This statue commemorates Hüseyin Kaçmaz, a veteran of the Balkan Wars, the Gallipoli campaign, and the decisive Battle of Dumlupınar during the Turkish War of Independence. Kaçmaz passed away in 1994 at the age of 110, recognized as the last Turkish survivor of the Gallipoli campaign.

Extending the Remembrance: Kesik Dere Cemetery

Just down the steps from the 57th Regiment Cemetery, visitors can find the new Kesik Dere Cemetery. This extension holds the remains of an additional 1,115 Turkish soldiers from the 57th and other regiments, further emphasizing the scale of sacrifice made during these historic battles.

Plan Your Visit

Exploring the 57th Regiment Cemetery offers a profound glimpse into the bravery and sacrifices of the Ottoman soldiers during one of the most pivotal campaigns in history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a scholar, or a casual visitor, this site provides a deep connection to the past and a moving tribute to those who gave everything for their country.