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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 Ariburnu 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 Igdelik.
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 Gülpinar is the ancient city of Chryse where the 2nd century
B.C: temple of Apollon Smintheus is located. 15 km west of Gülpinar 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. Çan 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
Külcüler and Kirazli.
Kaz Dagi (Mt. Ida, 1774
meters) is situated at the southern tip of Çanakkale by the beautiful
Kaz Dagi National Park with magnificent landscapes, peaceful green areas
and several hot springs. At the northern entrance, via Bayramiç and
Evciler, to the Kaz Dagi National Park are the main day-camping
facilities. In Bayramiç, 60 km from Çanakkale is the beautiful 18th
century Hadimogullari Mansion (Ottoman House) with its ethnography
museum.
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