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The
city of Canakkale lies at the
narrow,1,200 meter entrance to the Canakkale Strait that
connects the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean whose shores
touch both Europe and Asia. Passenger and car ferries run
daily between Canakkale on the Asian side; Eceabat and
Kilitbahir on the European side. Yachts navigating the
straits stop at the well-equipped Canakkale
Marina to allow tourists more time in the area.
Hotels, restaurants and cafes along the promenade, offer a
place to enjoy the comings and goings of the harbor, and
view of the Kilitbahir Fortress and the Canakkale
Archaeological Museum.
In
1451, Sultan Mehmet II, later the conqueror of Istanbul,
built one fortress on the European side of the Canakkale
Strait at Kilitbahir and one on the opposite shore at
Cimenlik to control the passage of ships through the strait.
Today the Cimenlik fortress serves as a military museum
dedicated to the Canakkale Battle.
Gelibolu
 Gelibolu
Peninsula Historical National Park was established
to honor the 500,000 soldiers who gave their lives on
Gelibolu also known as Gallipoli. In 1915,
Mustafa Kemal, commander of the Turkish army, led a
successful campaign to drive out the allied powers from the
area. The park includes memorials, monuments, cemeteries,
the natural beauty of the Arıburnu Cliffs and
Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake). The
beauty of the green hills, sandy beaches and blue waters
provides an honored resting place for the soldiers who
bravely fought and died in this historic battle. You cannot
help but sense the heart of the Turkish nation in the
special spirit of this place.
The
largest of the Turkish islands, Gökçeada is ringed with
pristine bays. Its hills, covered in the contrasting greens
of pines and olive trees are dotted with sacred springs and
monasteries. Regularly scheduled ferry boats make the trip
from Çanakkale and Kabatepe. In August,
islanders and tourists gather for colorful local fairs.
As
you approach Bozcaada Island, the Venetian
castle commands your attention. Then your eyes are drawn to
the glistening white houses and the restaurants and cafes
which line the promenade. Wine seems as plentiful as water
on this island; a circuit reveals many vineyards and wine
cellars. There are good sandy beaches at Ayazma, Poyraz and
Iğdelik.
 Homer
immortalized Truva (Troy) in the
stories of King Priamus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful
Helen. Archaeological excavations have revealed nine
separate periods of settlement and the ruins of city walls,
house foundations, a temple and a theatre. A symbolic wooden
Trojan horse commemorates the legendary war. The ancient
harbor of Alexandria-Troas was built in the
3rd century B.C. St. Paul visited here twice, and on his
third missionary journey, he continued from here to Assos.
The
acropolis of Assos (Behramkale)
is 238 meters above sea level and the Temple of Athena was
constructed on this site in the 6th century B.C. This Doric
temple is being restored to its former glory and role as
guardian of the Biga Peninsula and Edremit Gulf.
Linger to see the moonlight scattered through the temple
ruins, or rise early for the gentle awakening of dawn over
the acropolis, from the top of which you can take in the
magnificent vista of the Gulf of Edremit; and you will
appreciate why this heavenly location was chosen. On the
terraces descending to the sea are agoras, a gymnasium and a
theatre. From the northern corner of the acropolis, you can
see a mosque, a bridge and fortress, all built in the l4th
century by the Ottoman Sultan Murat I. Below lies a tiny and
idyllic ancient harbor. Assos has gained the reputation of
being the center of the Turkish art community with its
lively, friendly and bohemian atmosphere. This may be the
holiday you will remember for years to come. 25 km west of
Behramkale, in the village of Gülpınar is the ancient city
of Chryse where the 2nd century B.C: temple of Apollon
Smintheus is located. 15 km west of Gulpinar
on an unmarked road along the jagged coastline lies
Babakale, a scenic village of houses terraced on a cliff
which drops to the sea.
The
town of Biga has lent its name to its entire peninsula. A
town of parks, it is a good place to see houses built in a
traditional style. The closest beaches are at Karabiga and
Sahmelek, where you will find reasonably priced
accommodations. Karabiga was known in ancient times as
Priapos, after the god, and thus has cult and fertility
associations. Can is well known for its ceramics and sulphur
springs, said to be helpful in various disorders of the
liver, intestine and urinary tract. There are two other hot
springs at nearby Kulculer and Kirazlı.
Kaz
Dağı (Mt. Ida, 1774 meters) is
situated at the southern tip of Canakkale by the beautiful Kaz
Dagı National Park with magnificent landscapes,
peaceful green areas and several hot springs. At the
northern entrance, via Bayramiç and Evciler, to the Kaz
Dagı National Park are the main day-camping
facilities. In Bayramic, 60 km from Canakkale is the
beautiful 18th century Hadimogullari Mansion (Ottoman House)
with its ethnography museum.
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