Canakkale, Turkey

Canakkale is a city in the Marmara Region of Turkey. The city is located on the south bank of Canakkale Bogazi Strait and is 320 km from Istanbul, 325 km from Izmir and 653 km from Ankara.Ataturkswords for all soldiersThe city was called "Hellespontos" or "Dardanelles" in ancient times, and there has been evidence of a settlement in the Canakkale area since B.C. 3000. As the city is located near the Canakkale Strait, one of the two major water passages connecting the Mediterranean and Black Sea, the area is rich in history and culture. The site of the historical city of Troy is close to Canakkale. During World War 1, Canakkale and the Canakkale Strait was the stage of a year-long battle between the United Kingdom, France and the Ottoman Empire. From April 1915 to January 1916, a joint British and French operation was mounted to capture the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (now Istanbul). The attempt failed, but not without heavy casualties on both sides. This sprawling harbour town is the busiest in the Gallipoli region, and is easily the most frequented stopover for groups and individuals visiting the battlefields and memorial sites (for local tour companies). It's also a good place to hang around in its own right, with a rare concentration of nightlife in its centre, and a sweeping waterfront drag that heaves with activity throughout the summer months.Çanakkale is the most popular base for visiting the ruins at Troy, as well as Gallipoli, and has become a very popular destination for weekending Turks. To have your pick of the hotels you're better off coming midweek.