|
ABOUT ÇANAKKALE
A province that bridges Europe and Asia - famous for
its history and culture
The province of Çanakkale is located on the Dardanelles (ancient "Hellespont")
in the northwest of Turkey with coasts touching both Europe and Asia. The
history of the early inhabitants of the region goes back six thousand
years or more, encompassing the ancient city of Troy, famous from Homer's
"Iliad", and Assos, where Aristotle opened his first "lyceum" and began
writing his book "Politics". Many visitors come to pay their respects at
monuments on the Gallipoli Peninsula, famed for its World War One
battlefields. Çanakkale possesses unique geographical attributes and
millennia of historical wealth. It has been the scene of many mythological
events and legends belonging to the various cultures which have flourished
here.
Although from time to time you may find yourself immersed in the area's
long and varied history, you will also find that the city of Çanakkale
itself, the regional capital, possesses all modern conveniences and
amenities. With a vision that embraces the concept of a "City of Peace",
Çanakkale is sensitive to world problems. It is engaged in many pilot
projects and international cooperative ventures. This is not coincidental.
The Dardanelles Strait connecting the Aegean and Marmara seas has always
been of great strategic importance in its role as the entrance to, and
protector of, the city of Istanbul.
Migrations to this area over the centuries considerably enriched the
indigenous cultures. Turcoman nomads from central Anatolia settled on the
slopes of Mount Ida to cut timber for the fleet of Mehmet the Conqueror.
Groups of Jews settled around Çanakkale after exile from Spain. The name
of Çanakkale itself, meaning "Castle of the Potteries" originates from the
popularity of ceramic wares, beginning in the 18th century. Vineyards and
olive groves have been a fixture of the landscape since ancient times. The
remains of many Ottoman castles may still be seen along the shoreline.
Levantines opened consulates and factories that boosted commerce during
the 19th century. All of these contributed to the multi-cultural mosaic.
The area has also given birth to and hosted important scientists, mystics
and religious thinkers, artists and poets. Famous ancient thinkers such as
Anaxagoras, Thales, and Epicurus settled, taught, and died here. The
famous Ottoman cartographer Piri Reis, whose early map of the world still
confounds geographers, was also a native of the Çanakkale region.
The hospitality of the people, unspoilt nature, ancient cities, historical
sites, monuments to the fallen, civilian architecture, clean coasts and
beaches, enchanting islands, spas, regional cuisine, handicrafts, and
folklore contribute to the importance of Çanakkale as an example of the
peaceful coexistence of the traditional and the progressive in all aspects
of culture, tourism, commerce, and education.
 ÇANAKKALE
|
