Canakkale is a unique city in Turkey, rich in both archaeological and ethnographic history, located in the northwest of the country. It serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia, founded on both continents. The city is famous for the Dardanelles, one of Turkey’s main water straits, which separates into two with the Bosphorus. Çanakkale is also known for being the site of the Trojan wars and the land of Gallipoli, where thousands of young Turkish and Anzac troops lost their lives during World War I. Today, millions of visitors, both foreign and Turkish, come to pay their respects to the fallen at memorial monuments, tombs, graves, and cemeteries.
Looking for a cost-effective way to visit Canakkale? Tour Maker Turkey offers the best priced Canakkale tour packages for you and your family. Our travel guide will pick you up from the airport, seaport, or hotel and take you to renowned locations such as Gallipoli National Park and Mirror Mall.
Canakkale is surrounded by Balikesir to the east, the Aegean Sea to the west, Tekirdag and the Sea of Marmara to the north. With a coastline stretching over 650 km, it is the second longest coastline city in Turkey. Due to its location between Bursa and Izmir, the city serves as an important transit center to the highly agricultural and industrial Aegean Region.
HISTORY OF CANAKKALE
The city of Canakkale has a rich history, with legends and civilizations dating back to 4000 BC. According to written sources and archaeological discoveries, the city was first established in the area of Kumkale (Sand Castle) around 4000 BC and Troy was founded around 3200 BC. During the 2nd and 1st century BC, Troy was at its peak and the city has nine layers of Troy remaining today. The Lydians and later the Persians took over the city in the 7th century BC, before it was captured by Alexander the Great in 334 BC and later became part of the Pergamene Kingdom. The Roman era began in the 1st century AD and the city was taken over by Arabic forces in the 6th century.
The city was ruled by the Selçuk Turks between the 11th and 14th centuries, before falling into Ottoman hands in 1367. Canakkale became an important trade center for a long time. During the beginning of World War I in 1915, the Allies (British and French army troops) attacked the city, known as the Gallipoli battlefield, in an attempt to capture Istanbul and end the Ottoman Empire. The battle between the Allies and Ottomans ended in 1918, resulting in the loss of about half a million soldiers on both sides. Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, was the commander of the Ottoman troops as an army general. Only 255,000 Turkish soldiers were lost during the three-year siege and one person from each household was killed throughout Turkey during the Gallipoli Wars.
Assos, Seaport
A Greek and Roman settlement with an ancient seaport, located between the Greek Islands and Troy and was a major naval base during its time.
Aynali Carsi, Mirror Mall
A shopping center known as Mirror Mall, which is famous in Turkish history. It is mentioned in many Turkish folk songs.
Gallipoli National Park (Canakkale War Museum)
A memorial park with monuments and tombs honoring Ottoman and Anzac troops. It also features a War Museum with original weapons, artillery shells, bullets, medallions, and more.
Ida Mountains (Botanical Garden of Turkey)
Mythical mountains with a rich endemic flora and fauna, known as Turkey’s Botanical Garden by plant experts.
Troy, Troia
The birthplace of the Illiad and Odyssey epics by Homer, the famous Greek novelist and historian, with a rich history of over a thousand years. It is well known globally due to its prominence in Greek mythology taught in schools and the famous American movie.
Trojan Horse, Epic of Homer
Located by the seafront, it was gifted to the municipality of Canakkale by Hollywood after the 2004 film “Troy” starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom.
This city is a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that will leave you in awe. From the stunning beaches of the Aegean Sea to the lush greenery of the Ida Mountains, Canakkale has something to offer everyone. The city is also home to many historical sites and monuments, such as the Troia, Assos, and the Gallipoli National Park, that honor the memories of the soldiers who lost their lives in the battles fought here.
Canakkale is a city rich in history and culture, and visiting it is a chance to immerse yourself in the stories and legends of ancient civilizations. The city’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a hub of diverse cultures and traditions, making it an ideal destination for those interested in learning about different civilizations and their unique histories.
The city is also a hub for adventure and outdoor activities, with its many hiking trails, beaches, and parks. The Ida Mountains, for example, are a botanist’s paradise and are home to many rare and endemic plant species. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, Canakkale has something to offer.
If you’re a lover of history and culture, visiting Canakkale is a must. The city has a long and storied history, from the ancient civilizations that lived here to the soldiers who fought and died on its battlefields. At the Gallipoli National Park, you can visit monuments and tombs that honor the soldiers who fought in World War I, and at the Troia, you can explore the birthplace of the Illiad and Odyssey epics and learn about the great Greek novelist and historian Homer.
In conclusion, visiting Canakkale is a unique opportunity to experience history, culture, and natural beauty all in one place. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Canakkale with Tour Maker Turkey today and discover the best this city has to offer. Our experienced travel guides will take you on a journey through this beautiful city, visiting all the famous sites, and helping you experience the best of Canakkale. So don’t wait, book your tour today and start exploring!