Dede Korkut Monument

The Dede Korkut Monument is a monumental statue on Akşemsettin Street in the Genç Osman quarter of central Bayburt, standing as the city's foremost symbol of cultural identity.

History & Cultural Background

The monument depicts Dede Korkut, revered as the wise bard, elder and master of words of the Oghuz Turks; the towering figure, shown holding his kopuz (a traditional string instrument), is encircled by the flags of the independent states of the Turkic world. Bayburt is among the places most strongly identified with the Dede Korkut tradition: the tale of Bamsı Beyrek in the 'Book of Dede Korkut' unfolds in and around Bayburt Castle, while a tomb attributed to Dede Korkut lies in the province's Masat village. This bond gained an international dimension in 2018, when the heritage of Dede Korkut — its epic culture, folk tales and music — was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity through a joint nomination by Turkey, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Architecture & Events

Architecturally the monument sits on a broad ceremonial plaza, with the silhouette of Bayburt Castle crowning the city behind it and lending depth to photographs. During the International Dede Korkut Science, Culture and Sport Festival — held every July and now in its 30th edition — a wreath is laid at the monument and folk-dance troupes from many countries animate the square and the central streets. Together with the nearby Dede Korkut City Museum (opened 2023), the monument anchors Bayburt's identity as 'the land of Dede Korkut.'

Visiting, Access & Tips

For visitors, the monument features on the central walking tour of Black Sea-to-Erzurum cultural itineraries. Agencies favour it for its easily accessible central location and for the strong narrative frame its UNESCO link provides, delivering a powerful photo-and-story stop in a short time. The average visit lasts 15-20 minutes and is usually combined with Bayburt Castle, the Grand Mosque, the Clock Tower, and the historic bazaar with its ehram weaving stalls. The best shot frames the statue together with the flags and the castle behind it, with ideal light at sunset. Access is easy: the site is within walking distance of the centre and tour coaches can park in the Genç Osman plaza area. The open, largely flat and hard-surfaced square is suitable for disabled access. The best time to visit is May to October when the roads are clear; the July festival week is the peak, while winters are snowy and cold. A recommended route places the monument as the opening or closing stop of the central heritage walk.