Monument of Liberty
A tall, solemn monument in a quiet Şişli park, dedicated to the soldiers and officers of the 31 March Incident.
The Monument of Liberty stands in Hürriyet-i Ebediye Park, a green spot amid the high-rises of Şişli. The central column, surrounded by three statues representing liberty, brotherhood, and peace, was erected to honor those who died during the 31 March Incident of 1909, a failed counter-coup against the Second Constitutional Era. The remains of key military figures were interred here, making it a site of historical remembrance rather than just a decorative landmark.
The park provides a calm break from the noise of the nearby E-5 highway and shopping malls. While the monument itself can be contemplated in a short visit, the surrounding benches and lawns make it a decent spot to rest if you are already in the area. There is no museum or information center on site, so reading a brief history beforehand adds context.
“To see where an early 20th-century constitutional struggle is literally cemented into Istanbul’s landscape.”
Go after 9am, otherwise you’ll be sharing the benches with the entire neighborhood’s retired men doing their morning stretches.
Park paths are level and paved, but the monument base has several steps with no ramp.
Good to know
- Is Monument of Liberty free to visit?
- Free. 1909 memorial in Şişli Hürriyet-i Ebediye Park — free outdoor monument; coords via Nominatim
- How long should you spend at Monument of Liberty?
- ~30 min
- When is the best time to visit Monument of Liberty?
- Morning
- Is Monument of Liberty wheelchair accessible?
- Park paths are level and paved, but the monument base has several steps with no ramp.
