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CANAKKALE
Turkeli (Avsa) is another holiday island that boasts
of spectacular beaches and clear water as well as
famous vineyards and wine cellars. In the Manastir
district stands the Byzantine Meryem Ana Monastery.
Fifty-five kilometers southwest of Bandirma, Gonen is
Turkey's most important, thermal resort. The springs
were used even in Roman times and a fifth-century
mosaic remains from what was originally a Roman bath.
These waters come from 500 meters below the ground and
heated at approximately 82' C. Another 30 km to the
northwest, Denizkent is a nice vacation spot with
lovely beaches. Sindirgi lies at the base of the
Alacam Mountains amid beautiful forests and meadows in
a region known for the weaving of superb Turkish
carpets. The rugs of Yagcibedir are among the most
prized in the country and grow more lovely the older
they become. Around the Gulf of Edremit, also in
Balikesir province, are some of the most beautiful
coastlines in the country where the clear waters meet
sandy beaches encircled by the silvery green of olive
groves. Ayvalik, Burhaniye, Oren, Edremit, Akcay and
Altinoluk are all holiday towns which attract
vacationers interested in a relaxing holiday, with
beautiful scenery and a wealth of historical and
archaeological sites. The city of Canakkale lies at
the narrow, 1,200 meter entrance to the Canakkale
Strait that connects the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean
whose shores touch both Europe and Asia. Passenger and
car ferries run daily between Canakkale on the Asian
side and Eceabat and Kilitbahir on the European side.
Yachts navigating the straits stop at the well-equipped
Canakkale Marina to allow tourists more time in the
area. Hotels, restaurants and cafes along the
promenade, offer a place to enjoy the comings and
goings of the harbor, and view of the Kilitbahir
Fortress and the Canakkale Archaeological Museum. In
1451, Sultan Mehmet II, later the conqueror of
Istanbul, built one fortress on the European side of
the Canakkale Strait at Kilitbahir and one on the
opposite shore at Qimenlik to control the passage of
ships through the strait. Today the Cimenlik fortress
serves as a military museum dedicated to the Canakkale
Battle.
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DARDANELLES
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
Anburnu Cliffs and Tuz Golu (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,
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Gokceada |
ISLANDS
Gokceada 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
Canakkale 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. |
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TROY
Homer
immortalized Truva (Troy) in the stories of King Priam,
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.
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Assos
Kaz Dag |
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 temples, or
rise early for the gentle awakening of dawn over the
ruin 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 14th 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 Gulpinar is the
ancient city of Chryse where the 2nd century B.C.
temple of Apollon Smintheus is located. 15 km west of
Gulpinar 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 tent 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 5ahmelek, 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. Can 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
Kalcaler and Kirazli. Kaz Dagi (Mt. Ida, 1,774 meters)
is situated at the southern tip of Canakkale by the
beautiful Kaz Dagi National Park with magnificent
landscapes, restful green areas and several hot
springs. At the northern entrance, via Bayramic, and
Evciler, to the Kaz Dagi National Park are the main
day-camping facilities. In Bayramic, 60 km from
Canakkale is the beautiful 18th century Hadimogullari
Mansion (Ottoman House) with its ethnography museum.
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