Kop Martyrs' Memorial and Pass

The Kop Martyrs' Memorial and Pass stands at the highest point of the D915/E97 highway that links Bayburt to Erzurum via Aşkale, spread along the ridges of Kop Mountain.

History & Significance

The pass itself sits at roughly 2,400 metres, while the martyrs' monument rises beside the road at around kilometre 40-45 of the Bayburt-Erzurum route, some 45 kilometres from the provincial centre. Its story reaches back to the First World War. In the winter of 1916, to halt the advance of the Russian army toward central Anatolia, a fierce defence lasting four and a half months was fought across the Kop passes and the Çoruh basin under brutal winter conditions, and tens of thousands of soldiers were martyred here. This stand is regarded as one of the Ottoman army's most important points of resistance after Gallipoli and is remembered as a 'Second Plevna'. The monument was erected in 1963 in memory of these fallen soldiers, led by the garrison commander of the time and the townspeople; it consists of an eight-metre shaft on a roughly two-metre square base, standing about thirteen metres tall in total. The surrounding trenches, positions and battle traces are protected within the Kop Mountain Defence Historical National Park, declared in 2016.

Architecture & Nature

The architecture is austere and imposing; the bare mountain ridge, the misty-snowy atmosphere and the vast highland panorama lend it a powerful emotional weight.

Visiting, Access & Tips

For tourism, Kop is both a site of historical memory and a scenic stop. Agencies favour it especially on Bayburt-Erzurum itineraries because it lies directly on the route, carries a strong patriotic narrative, and offers panoramic photo opportunities. Average visiting time is 20-40 minutes; in guided programmes it usually follows Bayburt Castle and the Grand Mosque, serving as a short commemoration and photo break on the leg toward Erzurum. The best photo spots are the monument's base platform and the roadside viewing flats, from which the pass, the ridge and the tunnel mouth all fall into frame together. Access is easy by private car or tour coach along the paved highway; although the new Kop Tunnel bypasses the pass's difficult climb, the old road is used to reach the monument. There is a wide, free, level car park around the memorial and tour coaches can pull in comfortably; since most of the ground is flat, disabled access is partly possible, though the base platform is reached by a few steps.

Route & Best Time

The best time to visit is from late May through October, when the snow risk recedes; the peak season is summer. In winter the pass is foggy, snowy and icy, atmospheric but harder for road conditions. Recommended route: start from Bayburt centre, pause for a commemoration stop at the Kop Pass, then descend to Erzurum via Aşkale; nearby Sırakayalar Waterfall and the national park's battle-observation points can be added.