Investigation of Çanakkale urban cemeteries within the scope of landscape planning criteria

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Cemeteries are areas which have been important to humanity since history began, with a place in every period of human life and sustained importance. As a result, they are currently planned in settlement areas or in areas close to cities. The study researched the landscape infrastructure and furnishings of two city cemeteries with an important place in the current structure of Çanakkale city. The landscape elements based on the planned and present structures were determined in these areas of “Çanakkale Municipality City Cemetery” and “New City Cemetery”. For this, literature screening and data obtained from observations represent the basis of the study. Within the scope of the obtained data, it was identified that the main criteria for cemetery planning and design were not included sufficiently in construction of the two cemeteries. The main findings in relation to landscape infrastructure and furnishings are that main and side roads do not abide by standards; there is esthetic and functional insufficiency in terms of paving, car parks, distance between graves and planting; there is insufficient multifunctional space at the entrance for collection/distribution and rest; there is insufficient seating groups and boundary elements for shade and rest; and there are no sections for maintenance, security, WC, prayer rooms, florists, or open/enclosed mourning sections in buildings at the entrance. It was identified that Çanakkale Municipality City Cemetery requires 75 more fountains, while New City Cemetery requires 66 more fountains and the grave area per person is close to the recommended standard (6 m2). Additionally, the New City Cemetery was calculated to have potential for 11,266 graves. In conclusion, in line with the obtained data, attempts are made to develop recommendations to solve problems in these study areas.