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Gelibolu
 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 Ariburnu
Cliffs and Tuz Gцlь (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, Gцkзeada
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 Зanakkale 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.
 Homer
immortalized Truva (Troy) in the stories of King Priamus,
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.
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 temple ruins, or rise early for the
gentle awakening of dawn over the 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 l4th 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 Gьlpinar
is the ancient city of Chryse where the 2nd century B.C:
temple of Apollon Smintheus is located. 15 km west of Gьlpinar
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 lent 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 Sahmelek, 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. Зan
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
Kьlcьler and Kirazli.
Kaz Dagi (Mt. Ida, 1774 meters) is situated at the southern
tip of Зanakkale by the beautiful Kaz Dagi National
Park with magnificent landscapes, peaceful green areas and
several hot springs. At the northern entrance, via Bayramiз
and Evciler, to the Kaz Dagi National Park are the main
day-camping facilities. In Bayramiз, 60 km from Зanakkale
is the beautiful 18th century Hadimogullari Mansion (Ottoman
House) with its ethnography museum.
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