What Karşıyaka Cemetery Is
Karşıyaka Cemetery (Karşıyaka Mezarlığı), in Ankara, Turkey, is the city’s largest and principal cemetery. It is a place of remembrance and a reflection of Turkey’s changing funerary customs and urban landscape. Its peaceful avenues, green spaces, and architectural features accommodate a range of religious and cultural rites. The cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent Turkish political, cultural, intellectual, and public figures.
History and Cultural Context
Established in the mid-20th century to serve Ankara’s expanding population, Karşıyaka Cemetery represents the shift from small community graveyards to centralized, planned burial grounds. Its design reflects the modernization and secularization of the Turkish Republic alongside enduring Anatolian and Islamic traditions. It also reflects Ankara’s historical evolution, cultural diversity, and urban development.
The cemetery is a site of social and national memory, with graves of influential figures and public commemorations during national and religious events. Families often visit on anniversaries and religious holidays to clean graves, recite prayers, and sometimes share food.
Islamic funerary rites commonly include ritual washing, shrouding, communal prayers, and Qur’an recitations. Modern grave markers may feature personalized inscriptions and, in some cases, photographs and QR codes.
What to See
The cemetery covers approximately 2.89 km² and contains around 260,000 graves. Wide, tree-lined avenues are used by pedestrians and vehicles. Sections are dedicated to different faiths, families, military personnel, and notable individuals.
Cypress and pine trees provide shade, while lawns and water features offer places for quiet reflection. A grand entrance gateway marks the transition into the cemetery. Special sections and monuments honor Turkish soldiers, statesmen, artists, and academics, while distinct areas respect different religious and community traditions.
For information on specific graves, consult Find a Grave or ask at the administration office.
Practical Visiting Information
Visiting hours and admission
- Summer Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Winter Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission Free; tickets are not required, and the cemetery is open to the public.
- Hours may vary during religious or national holidays. For updated information about visiting hours, events, and accessibility, consult the official Ankara Metropolitan Municipality website.
Location and transport
- Location İvedik neighborhood, Yenimahalle district, northwest of Ankara’s city center.
- Public transport City buses serve the area, and the cemetery is near İvedik metro station. Taxis are readily available.
- Parking Ample on-site parking is available, though it can get crowded during major commemorations.
Accessibility and facilities
Wide, paved paths and ramps are available throughout the cemetery; most main paths are paved and accessible to wheelchair users. Signage is clear, with some English translations at the main entrances. Accessible restrooms and seating areas are available.
Restrooms are located near entrances and throughout the grounds. Water fountains provide drinking water, and ritual washing facilities are available. Prayer rooms serve Islamic rites. Maps and information are displayed at the main gates, staff can assist with locating specific graves, and on-site personnel are available for safety and assistance.
Visitor Etiquette and Tips
- Modest clothing is recommended. Women may wear headscarves as a sign of respect.
- Maintain silence, avoid loud conversations, and be respectful during funerals.
- Photography is permitted for landscapes and monuments. Avoid photographing mourners or graves without permission, and do not take photographs during funerals or when doing so may disturb others.
- Respect the cemetery’s diverse religious and cultural practices.
Nearby Places
A visit can be combined with other significant Ankara sites:
- Anıtkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum) Turkey’s most important monument.
- Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo A recreational space and historical brewery.
- ANKAmall A major shopping center nearby.
- Akköprü An Ottoman-era bridge in Yenimahalle.
Public transportation and taxis make it easy to visit multiple sites in a single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee to Karşıyaka Cemetery?
No. Admission is free.
What are the visiting hours?
The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter. Hours may vary on holidays.
Are guided tours available?
Guided tours are not regularly available, but local operators or the administration may arrange them upon request.
Can I take photographs?
Yes, for landscapes and monuments. Avoid photographing mourners or graves without permission, and do not take photographs during funerals or when it may disturb others.
Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
Wide paved paths and ramps are available throughout the cemetery, and most main paths are paved and accessible.
How can I find a specific grave?
Use the map at the entrance, ask staff, or check Find a Grave.
