The peaceful atmosphere in Turkey: Gallipoli and Dardanelles (Canakkale)

Gallipoli is in the northern part of Turkey, in the European side in the Gallipoli peninsula. The word comes from Greek and called “beautiful city”. It is on the side of Dardanelles where on the opposite Canakkale is placed. The region has a rich history, shaped by its strategic locations at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

In the ancient times, there was a key point between Greek and Roman trade routes. During the Byzantine era, it has become a fortified city that helps to protect the Empire’s northern frontier from invaders. It has an important naval base in Dardanelles.

The city was fortified during to protect northern part of the Empire from the invaders. It was also a crucial strategic point for naval, that it served as a base guarding Dardanelles region. Despite the strong protection, the land was invaded a couple of times, first it was briefly occupied by Arabs, and then it became a passage point for the crusades. After the fourth crusade, there was a brutal attack to Constantinople, and it was heavily sacked. 

The Ottomans invaded the region in 1354 (approximately 100 years before the invasion of Constantinople) and the Ottoman Turks took advantage of the situation. This had been a critical turning point for the Byzantines that the invasion weakened the empire, and it ended within a century.

Just as Byzantine, Gallipoli was a naval base during the Ottoman times. It served as a staging during the Ottoman Empire. Gallipoli was a staging ground and Ottomans launched military incursions, and it led to conquest of Serbia, Hungary and other parts of Southern Europe.

Gallipoli Champaign

One of the best-known battles in history happened in Gallipoli during World War I (April 25, 1915–January 9, 1916), which was fought on the Gallipoli peninsula and the Dardanelles region. The main motivation of the Allied powers was to knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. The allied powers are Britain, France, Austria and New Zealand.

The key attack started on March 18 where British and French forces aimed to secure the beaches. Subsequent attacks, like the Battle of Krithia, aimed to push inland. These unfruitful attacks created a lot of losses for the allies. Mustafa Kamal was a young commander in the Gallipoli campaign. He successfully defended the Battle of Chunuk Bair during Anzac landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. One of his famous orders came there, “I am not ordering you to attack, I am ordering you to die.” He played a pivotal role in securing Ottoman victory.

Gallipoli Battle ended with the victory of Ottoman Empire. There were serious losses in the allies, and they decided to evacuate the area in January 1916. It was carried out without significant losses. The Champaign ended with Ottoman victory. Anzac legacy became a symbol for Austria.

In Turkey, Canakkale victory day and Martyrs Day is celebrated every year on 18 March by Turkish Republic citizens, 25 April by New Zealand. Every year, hundreds of people visit the memorial and commemorate the people who sacrifice their lives for their countries. Canakkale war has a special place in history. Atatürk wrote a letter to Anzac mothers and families, offering words of comfort and peace. He ended the letter with “After sacrificing their lives on these lands, they became our children as well”.

War is one of the worst things in the history. People lost their lives, limbs, families, sons, mothers, and daughters because their countries needed protection or with the motivation of creating a better environment for future generations. Visiting memorials or former war zones helps us to acknowledge that life has not been easy for some, and they had to live in difficult conditions. This might help us to be thankful for what we have. Click to learn more about gratitude.

Things to do in Gallipoli

The center of Gallipoli is very colorful, with many shops and restaurants. The architecture style is a mix of Ottoman and modern developments. As you walk through the streets, you can see the traces of Byzantines, Ottoman and Modern Turkey. Click to learn more about Gallipoli.

Port of Gallipoli: It is one of the most popular attractions in the town. Gallipoli’s port serves as a ferry terminal and a local commercial port. The port has a long history because of its critical importance in history.  

Piri Reis Museum: Remaining of the Gallipoli castle is spread all over the city. It is built in 711 against the Arab attacks which lasted from 681 to 717. Ottomans repaired the castle, used it for administrative purposes. Piri reis is a prominent admiral, geographer and photographer who lived during 1465 -1553. His uncle is a prominent Ottoman naval commander who is borne in Gallipoli. He was involved in many naval engagements and continued his efforts to expand Ottoman influence and protect Muslim Trading roots. Piri reis was an exceptional cartographer and his map which was created in 1513 had a lasting influence to history of geography and cartography. His book “Kitab-i Bahriye” has also guided many sailors for centuries.

Gallipoli War Museum: Since the ancient times this region was a fruitful place and attracted many nations. Many battles took place for centuries around Dardanelles region. The items that are excavated from Dardanelles that are traces of the war are exhibited in the Dardanelles museum. The museum is five minutes by foot from the port. Click to read more about the war museum.

Pedestrian path along the coast: There is a pedestrian path along the coast in Gallipoli. It is one of the nicest places in the centrum. There are many elegant restaurants and cafés on the other side of the path. The water is crystal clear, you can also swim from the center. In general, there is a very peaceful environment. You can also do sports or enjoy the center.

Tomb of Bayrakli Baba: He lived during the Ottoman times, his role was to protect the flag, which was the symbol that represented the honor and symbol of the empire. He lived during Sultan Mehmet II’s battle of Constantinople. When the city was conquered, he decided to be buried with the flag. Today, people visit his tomb and leave flags, and they believe that it will bring them good fortune.

Crossing the Dardanelles

Canakkale is the largest settlement in the Dardanelles region, and Gallipoli is on the other side. There are various ways to cross the Dardanelles: from Eceabat to Canakkale, Kilitbahir to Canakkale and from Lapseki to Geliboglu. Click for the prices of ferry tickets.

1915 Canakkale bridge is another option to cross the Dardanelles. It has recently opened (2022) and it is an alternative to cross the way. It connects from Sutluce to Lapseki. You need to pay a fee to cross the bridge. Click to view the updated prices.

I used the ferry to reach to Gallipoli, the journey was so beautiful, there was a sunny weather and I felt the breeze. Being there and enjoying the weather was so pleasurable, and the water was shining. It is a great opportunity to meditate and find peace. The journey took approximately 30 minutes, and there is a café on board. You can enjoy Turkish tea or coffee while enjoying the wonderful view.

In Conclusion

Turkey is a wonderful country to visit, there are many activities. The Dardanelles region is one of the most beautiful places in the north-west. There is a beautiful view in which blue meets green. In the center of Gallipoli, there are many beautiful sights and places to enjoy. It is one of the most calm and peaceful places in the Dardanelles region. Spring is one of the most ideal times to visit Dardanelles district.