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Mehmetçik Lighthouse

Fl White/Red 5s🇹🇷Eceabat, TROperational

Location & Light Range

About Mehmetçik Lighthouse

Also known as: Mehmetçik (Cape Helles)

The Mehmetçik Lighthouse, a cylindrical masonry tower standing 25 meters tall, was constructed in 1919. Attached to the tower is a one-story keeper's house, also built of masonry. This light, with a focal height of 50 meters, emits a white or red flash every 5 seconds and has a geographic range of 18.7 nautical miles. The original lighthouse established in 1856 did not survive World War I. The current structure is located near Seddülbahir on Cape Helles, the European side of the Dardanelles.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks Cape Helles, the European entrance to the historically significant Dardanelles strait, guiding vessels through this narrow waterway.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White/Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W or R 5s
Focal Height
50m
Geographic Range
18.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1919
First Lit
1856

Significant events: Original lighthouse did not survive World War I

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
25m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: round masonry tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story masonry keeper's house

Location

City
Eceabat
Country
🇹🇷Turkey
Region
Canakkale
Sea Region
Cape Helles, the cape at the north (European) side of the Dardanelles (or the Hellespont), located on the point of the cape near Seddülbahir.
Latitude
40.0441°
Longitude
26.1746°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Akcansa(10.0 km)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Mehmetçik Lighthouse at night?+
Mehmetçik displays the characteristic Fl White/Red 5s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Mehmetçik Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mehmetçik Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is YENIKOY at 6.1 NM to the S. Other ports served include Akcansa (9.9 NM S), Eceabat (12 NM NE), Bozcaada (13.4 NM SSW), Gokceada (15 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mehmetçik Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mehmetçik Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Mehmetçik Lighthouse?+
Mehmetçik Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Mehmetçik Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mehmetçik Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.