In the very heart of Fethiye, near the seashore, lies Beşkaza Square (Beşkaza Meydanı) — the main public space of the city. It is not only the geographical center of Fethiye but also its conceptual, historical, and social hub. The square serves as a natural landmark for everyone visiting the city for the first time: from it, the main pedestrian routes branch out to the promenade, the old city, the fish market, and historical monuments.
The name of the square comes from the Turkish words "beş" (five) and "kaza" (court, punishment), indicating the historical function of this place. During the Ottoman period, a court or place of punishment was located here, which was characteristic of the central squares of many Anatolian cities. Today, this name serves as a reminder of the history of Fethiye, where ancient heritage, the Ottoman past, and the modern Turkish Republic coexist in a single urban space.
In 1957, Fethiye experienced a devastating earthquake that destroyed most of the old city buildings. This event determined the modern appearance of the city: most of the buildings, including the development around Beşkaza Square, were constructed after 1957. Nevertheless, in the old city, individual houses from the late 19th — early 20th centuries with characteristic wooden enclosed balconies have been preserved, allowing one to imagine the city`s appearance before the earthquake.
Location and Functions of Beşkaza Square
Beşkaza Square is located in the central part of Fethiye, on a slight elevation relative to the surrounding buildings. It occupies a strategic position at the intersection of several key city arteries. To the north of the square is Uğur Mumcu Park. To the west is the promenade. The eastern direction leads to the Kordon Promenade, which stretches along the Gulf of Fethiye. To the south begin the winding streets of the old city of Paspatur, leading to the historical fish market, traditional shops, and hammam.
Beşkaza Square is an administrative center: municipal institutions, banks, and offices are located around the square. It is also a social space: the square serves as a meeting place for walks and recreation for local residents and tourists. Finally, it is a cultural center: city celebrations, festivals, and official ceremonies are held here.
Atatürk Monument: History and Symbolism
The dominant feature of Beşkaza Square is the monument to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk — the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. The monument occupies a central position in the square and is the main point of attraction for visitors. It was erected as a sign of respect for the role Atatürk played in the history of Turkey and serves as a site for official ceremonies, especially on national holidays — April 23 (National Sovereignty and Children`s Day), May 19 (Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day), and October 29 (Republic Day).
The monument is a complex sculptural composition. At the center of the composition is the figure of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, depicted in a characteristic pose: he is entrusting the future of the republic to Turkish youth. This gesture emphasizes the special importance Atatürk attached to the young generation as the guarantor of the preservation and development of republican achievements. Next to the main figure is a sculpture of a little girl, symbolizing the young generation of Turkey, to whom Atatürk entrusted the future of the country.
The details of Atatürk`s clothing on the monument are also not accidental. The kalpak — the traditional headdress worn by the sculpture — symbolizes the military past of the founder of the republic, his role in the War of Independence. The boots refer to his leadership qualities and military valor. The modern European clothing, which Atatürk introduced into everyday life as part of his reforms, emphasizes his reformist character and his commitment to modernizing the country.
The monument is surrounded by six columns, the number of which symbolizes the six fundamental principles of Kemalism — the ideological foundation of the Turkish Republic. These principles, known as the "Six Arrows," include: republicanism, populism, nationalism, secularism, statism, and revolutionism. Each column symbolizes one of these principles, emphasizing their importance as the foundation of the modern Turkish state.
The six steps leading to the monument have their own symbolic meaning. They point to the most important milestones in Turkish history that shaped national identity and led to the creation of the republic.
According to traditional interpretation, these steps symbolize: the legendary homeland of the Turkic peoples Ergenekon, the entry into Anatolia after the victory at Manzikert, the conquest of Istanbul, the victory at Gallipoli during World War I, the War of Independence, and the proclamation of the republic. Thus, each step toward the monument becomes a symbolic ascent through the milestones of national history.
Beşkaza Square in City Life
Beşkaza Square is the main "living room" of the city, where the daily life of Fethiye is especially visible. In the morning hours, one can see elderly people leisurely drinking tea in the shade of trees and mothers with strollers heading toward the promenade. During the daytime, the square fills with tourists who use it as a starting point for excursions and local residents shopping in nearby stores. In the evening, especially during the summer months, the square becomes a place for walks, meetings, and informal gatherings.
As the main public space of the city, the square serves an important function as a venue for mass events. In the northern part of the square, a stage is set up, which is used during city celebrations, concerts, and official ceremonies. On national holidays, thousands of residents gather in the square to participate in the festivities, lay flowers at the Atatürk monument, and listen to speeches by officials. In summer, concerts, festivals, and fairs are held here, attracting both local residents and tourists.
Best Time to Visit
Beşkaza Square is interesting at any time of day, but each time has its own characteristics. The morning hours (before 10:00 AM) are the time when the square is not yet filled with tourists, and one can calmly examine the monument and the surrounding buildings.
During the midday hours, the square comes to life, all the cafés open, and there is active movement. In the evening, especially during the summer months, the square becomes a center for walks: cafés are open, and residents and tourists enjoy the evening coolness. On national holidays, official ceremonies are held in the square, which are of interest to those wishing to see modern Turkish traditions.
Recommendations for Visitors
When visiting Beşkaza Square, it is recommended to keep a few things in mind. The Atatürk Monument is a place of memory and respect; one should not sit on the steps of the monument or show any form of disrespect to the monument. On days of official ceremonies, access to the monument may be restricted.
There are many cafés and restaurants around the square. For a quick snack, establishments with baked goods are suitable — here you can try traditional Turkish börek (layered pie with cheese) or simit (sesame-crusted bagel). For a full meal, it is worth considering restaurants on the adjacent streets, where prices may be lower than in establishments with a direct view of the square.
For the traveler, Beşkaza Square serves as an ideal starting point for getting to know Fethiye. From here, you can set off to the ancient Lycian tombs, take a walk along the bay promenade, immerse yourself in the labyrinth of the old city, or simply sit in a café, watching the flow of city life. Here, in the shade of the trees, over a cup of tea or Turkish coffee, the rhythm of this Mediterranean city — unhurried, friendly, and surprisingly harmonious — is best felt.
