Destination
Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti
The French forces stranded in Pozantı were being harassed every day in Pozantı by the Kuvayi Milliye militias. For this reason, realizing that they would not be able to hold on in Pozantı, the French wanted to break out of the blockade in Pozantı and go to Mersin by passing through the Namrun and Gözne highlands.
Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti and 6 places around it
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Highlights
- Local culture
Suggested visit:45 minutes
The French forces stranded in Pozantı were being harassed every day in Pozantı by the Kuvayi Milliye militias. For this reason, realizing that they would not be able to hold on in Pozantı, the French wanted to break out of the blockade in Pozantı with a breakthrough operation and go to Mersin by passing through the Namrun and Gözne plateaus. Putting this plan into action on 25 May 1920, the decorated battalion commander Major Menil set out with his army and took Kumcu Veli and Gülekli Hatice, whom he happened to encounter on the way, as guides. When the French reached Tekir, they left the highway and, at Kumcu Veli’s insistence, followed the footpath toward Elmalı pass. Thanks to Kumcu Veli and Gülekli Hatice, this road would become the road of death for the French. It was Gülekli Hatice who took the news to Gülek. The French who entered Karboğazı had now entered the gorge of death. The gorge is a narrow stream valley with steep slopes. Seventeen men on each side of the stream lay in ambush, and ten men coming from behind prevented the enemy from retreating. As a result of the opened fire, the enemy, concerned for their lives, began to flee toward Teke plateau and Yılan plain, leaving behind their ammunition and mules. The surviving French surrendered the next day to Major Hasan AKINCI, nicknamed Kara Afet, who had come from Karaisalı. The heroes from Gülek brought the prisoners they had taken to the Gerlez area and offered them meat bulgur pilaf and ayran. The painting representing this event is today in the Kuvayi Milliye museum of Anıtkabir. The Battle of Karboğazı is a turning point in the liberation of Çukurova. The Battle of Karboğazı is an epic of heroism unparalleled in the history of world wars. It later formed the basis of the Ankara Agreement to be made. By erecting a Kuvayi Milliye monument in Karboğazı, the heroes and this victory were immortalized.
Source: Mersin Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism archive.
Places to Visit in Mersin Address: Karboğazı Mevkii Gülek Mahallesi Tarsus / Mersin
Last updated: 23 October 2026
Location and surroundings
Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti sits within Tarsus, Mersin. The toroti catalogue holds 130 described stops across Mersin, 30 of them in Tarsus.
The nearest stop is İbrahim Paşa Tabyaları, 5.8 km to the northeast. Another 6 catalogued points lie within a 30 km radius.
The Ankara – Adana route passes 5.5 km away, so this works as a stop along the drive.
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Frequently asked
- What is Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti?
- The French forces stranded in Pozantı were being harassed every day in Pozantı by the Kuvayi Milliye militias. For this reason, realizing that they would not be able to hold on in Pozantı, the French wanted to break out of the blockade in Pozantı and go to Mersin by passing through the Namrun and Gözne highlands.
- Where is Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti?
- Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti is in Tarsus, Mersin.
- How long does it take to visit Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti?
- The suggested visit time for Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti is about 45 minutes.
- What else is there to see near Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti?
- toroti’s catalogue holds other destinations within 30 km of Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti; the closest are İbrahim Paşa Tabyaları, Gülek Yaylası, Gülek Kalesi.
- Is Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti on the way anywhere, and which route?
- Karboğazi Kuvayi Milliye Anıti lies 5.5 km from the Ankara – Adana route, close enough to add to that drive with a short detour.