In the very heart of the resort town of Kemer, right along the coastline, lies a green area consisting of two parts — Olbia Park and the adjacent Memorial Park with its monument to a Turkish officer. These two places are so close to each other that they effectively form a single space for walking.
Olbia Park was laid out in 2007, and its greenery has now grown sufficiently to provide plenty of shade on hot summer days. The memorial section was added later and is dedicated to events of the First World War, when military actions took place along this stretch of coast between Turkish coastal artillery and ships of the Entente powers.
Olbia Park in Kemer
Olbia Park occupies a fairly large area along the sea. It`s not just lawns with a few trees, but a well-planned space with thoughtfully designed pathways, rest areas, and decorative elements. Many trees have been planted here — mainly pines, palms, and various ornamental shrubs — which create a pleasant microclimate even in the most intense heat. Benches are placed throughout the park, positioned so that most of them offer a view of either the sea or the fountains and flowerbeds.
The fountains of Olbia Park deserve special attention. There are several of them, each unique. Some are small fountains right in the middle of the paths, with water jets shooting up from the ground — on hot days, children love running through them to cool off. But the park`s main fountain is shaped like a dolphin. This rather large sculpture, with water flowing from it, has become a kind of landmark, not just for the park but for all of Kemer.
For children, Olbia Park has equipped playgrounds. They are modern, with safe rubberized surfaces, slides, swings, and merry-go-rounds. For those who want to combine a walk with some physical activity, outdoor exercise equipment is installed in the park.
Several cafes and restaurants operate within Olbia Park. They are located right among the greenery, with open verandas where you can have a snack or drink tea or coffee without leaving the park area. The menu mainly features Turkish cuisine — kebabs, gözleme, freshly squeezed juices — but there are also dishes familiar to tourists, like pasta or hamburgers.
Memorial to the Turkish Officer
If you walk from the dolphin fountain towards the eastern part of Olbia Park, in just a few minutes you`ll reach the memorial. It is situated on a slight rise right by the water and is visible from a distance thanks to its tall metal structures.
The memorial is dedicated to Mustafa Ertuğrul Aker — a Turkish military officer who commanded a coastal artillery battery here during World War I. In 1917, his unit sank three enemy ships — the British seaplane carrier HMS Ben-my-Chree and two French vessels, the Alexandra and the Paris II. This was a significant success for the Turkish army, as the Allies controlled the Mediterranean Sea and their ships frequently shelled Turkish positions.
The statue of the officer itself is made of bronze. It depicts a man in military uniform, standing upright and gazing out to sea. The figure is not huge, approximately life-sized, mounted on a low stone pedestal. The most striking part of the memorial are the three tall metal stelae behind the statue. They resemble the prows of ships. On each stele, the names of the sunken ships are inscribed: "Ben-my-Chree," "Alexandra," and "Paris II." In sunny weather, the metal gleams brightly, and the stelae are visible from almost any point in the park.
A small viewing platform is arranged around the memorial. From here, you have a good view of the sea and the horizon. It was at this spot, approximately 500 meters from the shore, that the ships sank. Their remains now lie at a depth of about 30 meters, and this location is popular among divers.
Historical Context and Interesting Details
The events commemorated by the memorial in Olbia Park took place in December 1917. At that time, this was the location of a small village called Eskiöy, not the resort town of Kemer. The Turkish coastal battery consisted of several guns that were well camouflaged. The battery was commanded by Lieutenant Mustafa Ertuğrul Aker.
According to accounts, the officer used a tactical ruse. To lure the enemy ships closer, the Turks used a small barge loaded with explosives. The barge was disguised as an ordinary trading vessel and set adrift towards the enemy squadron. When the ships approached to capture the "prize," the coastal battery opened fire, and the barge exploded. As a result, several ships were seriously damaged and sank.
Atmosphere and Tips for Visiting Olbia Park
Despite the memorial being located right in the center of a resort town, there are usually no crowds of tourists here. People come, read the plaques, take photos, and move on. The place lends itself to a calm, thoughtful visit. There is no hustle and bustle, no loud music or conversations — the atmosphere is quite subdued.
Olbia Park, on the other hand, is livelier and noisier. During the day, mothers with strollers stroll here, pensioners read newspapers on the benches, and children play on the playgrounds. In the evening, when the heat subsides, the park fills with people out for a walk — lots of young people, couples, and tourists who have come out to breathe the sea air after dinner. At this time, the fountains are illuminated with colorful lights, the cafes open their summer terraces, and it becomes very cozy.
Practical Information for Visitors
Olbia Park and the memorial are located in the center of Kemer, along the main street, Atatürk Boulevard. The landmark is the city beach and the yacht marina. If you are in the city center, you can likely walk there in 5-10 minutes. From more distant areas, you can take a dolmuş (city minibus) to the "Merkez" (Center) stop and then walk to the sea.
The Park is open 24 hours a day, admission is free at any time. The memorial section is also always accessible. There is evening lighting, so you can walk even after sunset. The fountains operate during the warm season, usually from April to October. They are turned off in winter.
The best time to visit is in the morning before 11 a.m. or in the evening after 4-5 p.m. During the day, it is very hot in the park, despite the shade, and it`s hard to walk for long. In the evening, it is especially pleasant — the setting sun beautifully illuminates the fountains and the metal stelae of the memorial.
Olbia Park and the Coastal Battery Memorial are two parts of one large green space in the center of Kemer. Here you can relax in the shade of the trees, look at the fountains, have a bite to eat in a cafe with a sea view, and also learn about the history of this place and see the monument to the Turkish officer who defended this coast a hundred years ago.
