The project was designed in 2019 and construction has been started in 2020. The monument which is the first phase completed and the second phase which is the exhibition and ceremony part will be started in 2022. The project is in line with the mission and vision of the Gazi Paphos Solidarity Association, its core values, the memory of the Paphos Martyrs, and its identity; It aims to create a monument-ceremonial and exhibition space sensitive to nature, environmental factors, functional and economic balances, by emphasizing its unique and contemporary architectural monumental approach and architectural values. The design is more impressive in visual memory than a sculpture, and all the names of martyrs and their pictures are presented on the memorial wall in a monumental and architectural order.
All of the public uses in the project area and the surrounding are associated with the main street. It has been observed that there is no high density on this road, but excessive speeding is done. In addition, there are dense public areas on both sides of the creek bed and the aforementioned main street uses are in a state of the breaking threshold. For this reason, the pedestrian axis starting from the bridge and inside the monument area has been considered. In order to increase the safety and usability of this axis, it is ensured that the road around the project area, starting from the Atatürk Congress Center, is raised to the level of the pavement and the vehicle speed is reduced by paving it with parquet, thus making it a pedestrian priority road.
There are steel column groups on the main walking axis, which starts from the bridge connecting the public uses on both sides of the stream and reaches the wedding area and steel columns designed with the main idea that martyrs are the missing parts of society. These columns are 17 in total and represent the years of martyrdom from 1956 to 1974. The square spaces on the columns indicate the number of martyrs for each year.
In addition to increasing the value and awareness of the Martyrs of Paphos, the project aims to set an example for the development of public space and contemporary monuments in our country, with a unique and contemporary approach. For this reason, Corten Steel material, which is not affected by weather conditions, has been used, which gives the image that we will not change our thoughts for our martyrs even after years have passed.
The monument is oriented with reference to the street and secondary road on which it is located. There is a ceremony area on one side of the monument group and an exhibition area on the other side. The commemoration events that will take place in the ceremony area will also be seen by the passers-by, thus increasing the awareness of the martyrs. The exhibition area, on the other hand, allows for the arrangement of public spaces and includes seating areas. You can sit against the memorial walls or the monument, and people can view the photos and spend time. While the Corten, which reflects a symbolic monument design, proceeds in the direction of the main axis between the steel columns, the approach to the memorial wall, located at a lower level from the ceremony area, is provided by stairs in accordance with universal design principles and a ramp designed for the disabled.
The memorial wall here will contain the photographs and names of the martyrs on one surface, and the stories of the Paphos Martyrs on the other. Steel square plates containing the names and photographs of martyrs on this wall, which is a gross concrete surface, display the elements coming out of each space on the columns and are arranged from right to left on the wall as the number of martyrs per year. The names and photographs of the martyrs will be written on each square with a laser so that even after years, they will remain the same without being affected by the weather conditions. In this way, the name that makes humans immortal will be passed on from generation to generation and will be kept alive forever.
The project aims to be a part of the urban integrity of Güzelyurt within the framework of Güzelyurt Municipality vision and Güzelyurt Square Urban Planning. While achieving this goal, an open space that can serve as a public space to the local people and visitors apart from its symbolic stance and its monumental identity, which can turn into a contemporary space in the region, has been planned. This open area is also considered as an area that enables ceremonial activities to take place on National Days and Martyrs' Week. Sitting groups made of exposed concrete and heat-treated wood have been considered in different parts of the project in order to ensure the sustainability and use of this designed area and to be used by the public in daily life.
Within the scope of the project, water and green elements were also used. The designed pools will contribute to the feeling of peace and security in the country thanks to our martyrs and raise awareness by touching the hearts of the citizens and visitors. On the ground, grass tears were used together with concrete, steel lath, and gravel. In addition, a local material, gravel, is found not only in the ground but also in the design of gabion walls.