The Gallipoli Peninsula

Descending the western slopes of Mount Korudag towards the neck of the Gallipoli peninsula,  known as Gelibolu in Turkish, bounded by the Gulf of Saros to the north and Canakkale Straight (the Dardanelles) to the south,  the road leads through woods of red pine (Pinus Brutia),  the most common tree of the Aegean and Mediteranian coastal region.

Suddenly you come in sight of the Gulf of Saros, one of Turkey s favourite diving destinations,  with its diverse and abundant underwater wildlife,  including coral reefs and sponges.  Red pine forests cover the shores of the Gulf,  providing welcome cool shade on hot summer days in the countless tiny bays.  Lying between the Marmara and Aegean seas,  the Gallipoli peninsula is a climactic transition point and therefore characterised by unusual biological diversity.

The Gallipoli peninsula took its name from the ancient city of Gallipolis,  whose exact location is unknown today,  and which was originally founded by the Thracians,  and later settled by immigrants from Phokai,  Lesbos and Miletus. 

The Gallipoli peninsula was ruled in turn by the Phrygians,  Lydians,  Persians,  Macedonians,  Romans and Byzantines,  and since 1367 has been part of Turkey.

The main town on the Gallipoli peninsula is Gelibolu,  which lies at the northeast mouth of Canakkale Straight,  where it enters the Marmara Sea.  The town has a considerable harbour,  and fishing and agriculture are the main activities of this district. 

Gelibolu is particulary famous for its tinned sardines,  and fresh fish of many kinds are to be found here at all times of the year.  Notable historic buildings in the town include Ulu Mosque,  Azaplar Namazgah (Prayer Terrace),  the turbe (Mausoleum) of Ahmet Bican,  Kasapoglu Ali Bey Hamam (Turkish Bath),  and Saruca Pasa Hamam.

To the southwest,  also on the shore of the straight,  is the town of Eceabat, (ancient name: Maydos) which faces the city of Canakkale on the other side of the straight.  Here car ferries ply back and forth,  carrying traffic between northwest Turkey and Aegean region.  The best views to the Gallipoli straight  and also an exclusiv atmosphere will be given at the Maydos Restaurant in Eceabat.

Gallipoli peninsula has always been a key of strategic importance,  and in Ottoman times several famous castles were built here,  one of the finest being Kilitbahir. This castle was constructed by Sultan Mehmet II in 1462,  and consists of a quatrefoil keep with extremely thick walls surrounded by another rampart.  The northern and central parts of the Gallipoli peninsula have fertile arable land,  and in July golden yellow fields of sunflowers stretch as far as the eye can see.

The southern part of the Gallipoli peninsula is covered by forests of red pine and maquis scrub,  and this area,  scene of the tragic Gallipoli Campaign,  was declared as a national park in 1973.

Half a million Turkish,  British,  French,  Australian and New Zealand soldiers lost there lives there,  and their graves and War Memorials are reminder of this sad chapter in history. On Kabatepe and Hisarlik hills are War museums established in memory of all those who fought here,  and near the latter is a war memorial to the dead of every nationality.

Canakkale Straight winds for 61 kilometres,  varying in width between 80 km at the widest point to just over 1 km at the narrowest point.  With its green shores and ever-changing vistas,  the Gallipoli peninsula is a very beautiful sight. 

The Aegean coast of Gallipoli peninsula has many long sandy beaches and rocky coves perfect for swimming,  and attracts many visitors during the summer. Here at Gallipoli is the sea calm,  unlike the Canakkale straight,  which is blown by north winds throughout the summer month.

With its lovely unspoilt countryside,  beaches and places of historic interest,  the Gallipoli peninsula is one of Turkey's most rewarding holiday destinations.

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Gallipoli Peninsula: Team Independent ANZAC Network provides a general information database & Anzac Day Gallipoli tours for all backpacker, traveller & budget traveller to Turkey. This site contains info about Anzac's, Anzac history, Anzac Spirit, the last Anzac, Anzac Day Gallipoli Turkey, Anzac House Canakkale, links to other official Anzac sites, Commemoration and Dawn Service in Gallipoli, info about Gallipoli Peninsula, regular Gallipoli daily tours to Battlefields and War Memorials, weekly Anzac tours, Troy tours, tours to Cappadocia, tours to Pergamum, tours to Ephesus and Pamukkale. Also provided are: ANZAC Day latest news, links to backpacker sites, guide books, links to hostels in turkey, links to useful Aussie & Kiwi sites, useful info about Turkey, Australia & New Zealand, also links to other sites of backpackers and travellers interest.

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