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5 places to visit in the central district of Çanakkale: Çimenlik Castle, Troy Ancient City and 1915 Çanakkale Bridge. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

Çanakkale is the only province that spans both shores of the Dardanelles, which separate Europe and Asia. At its narrowest point the Strait narrows to about 1,250 metres. In 1462, Fatih Sultan Mehmet had the castles of Kilitbahir and Çimenlik (Kale-i Sultaniye) built, and so locked the Strait.

Historical Importance

Çanakkale is the setting of two of the best-known wars in human history. Troy, on the slopes of Mount Ida, is the city of the Trojan War described in Homer’s Iliad. Troy, a nine-layered mound uncovered by the excavations of Heinrich Schliemann in 1871, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998. The Battles of Çanakkale took place here in 1915.

Modern Structures

The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, opened in 2022, has the world’s longest central span of any suspension bridge, at 2,023 metres.

Climate

Çanakkale has a temperate Mediterranean-Marmara transitional climate, and the Strait’s north-easterly wind (poyraz) is felt throughout the year.

History and Culture

One of the two castles built at the narrowest point of the Strait in 1462-63 was constructed to defend Istanbul. The Troy Museum tells the story of Troy and its cultures, and its archaeological history, through objects excavated from the site.

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Places to Visit in Çanakkale Central District

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 2 Museum
  • 1 Other
Historic

Çimenlik Castle

A castle built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1462 to control the Dardanelles.

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Ancient City

Troy Ancient City

Located on the slopes of Mount Ida, this is the site of the Trojan War described in Homer's Iliad. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998.

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1915 Çanakkale Bridge - Merkez Photo: Homonihilis (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Other

1915 Çanakkale Bridge

Opened in 2022, it is the world's longest suspension bridge by its central span of 2,023 metres.

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Museum

Troy Museum

A museum in the Merkez district, in Tevfikiye Neighbourhood.

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Museum

Çanakkale Maritime Museum

A maritime museum in Fevzipaşa Neighbourhood, registered under the Merkez address.

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What to Eat in Çanakkale Central District

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  • Peynir Helvası (cheese halva)

    Cheese halva, prepared by mixing fresh cheese with flour and sugar and cooking it in a pan, is Çanakkale's best-known dessert. It is also eaten at breakfast tables.

  • Sardalya Tava (fried sardines)

    Fresh sardines from the Dardanelles are coated in cornmeal and fried. They are served with rocket and lemon at seaside restaurants.

  • Ezine Cheese Börek

    A börek made with the famous Ezine cheese of Çanakkale, baked with plenty of cheese between thin layers of yufka pastry.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Çanakkale Central District

  • Legacy of the Battles of Çanakkale

    The Battles of Çanakkale in 1915 are among the cornerstones of Turkish national identity. The commemoration ceremonies held every year on 18 March attract thousands of visitors.

  • Legend of Troy

    The legend of the Trojan War, the subject of Homer's epic Iliad, is an inseparable part of Çanakkale's cultural identity. A replica of the Trojan Horse is the symbol of the city.

Local Products

  • Çanakkale Ceramics (Çanakkale Seramiği) — Çanakkale was an important ceramic production centre in the 18th and 19th centuries. Traditional Çanakkale ceramics, with their coloured glazes and figurative designs, are sought after by collectors.
  • Ezine Cheese (Ezine Peyniri) — Ezine cheese, produced in the Çanakkale region, is made from goat's and sheep's milk. The cheese, which has received an EU geographical indication registration, is one of Türkiye's finest white cheeses.

Economy

The economy of the Merkez district of Çanakkale is based on tourism, agriculture, fishing and trade. The Troy Ancient City and the Çanakkale battlefields attract millions of tourists every year. Fishing along the Strait is an important source of livelihood. Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University contributes to the city's educational and economic life. The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge has increased the region's transport and trade potential.

How to Get to Çanakkale Central District

Çanakkale is reached from Istanbul by the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge or by ferry. Çanakkale Airport serves domestic flights. Intercity bus services connect with all major cities. Ferry services operate between the two shores of the Strait.

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Çanakkale Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Çanakkale Merkez?

The top 5 places in Çanakkale Merkez are: Çimenlik Castle, Troy Ancient City, 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, Troy Museum and Çanakkale Maritime Museum.

What is there to eat in Çanakkale Merkez?

Peynir Helvası (cheese halva), Sardalya Tava (fried sardines) and Ezine Cheese Börek are the standout dishes on Çanakkale Merkez's tables.

What is Çanakkale Merkez famous for?

Çanakkale Merkez is known for Çanakkale Ceramics and the Legacy of the Battles of Çanakkale. Çanakkale was an important ceramic production centre in the 18th and 19th centuries. Traditional Çanakkale ceramics, with their coloured glazes and figurative designs, are sought after by collectors.

How do I get to Çanakkale Merkez?

Çanakkale is reached from Istanbul by the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge or by ferry. Çanakkale Airport serves domestic flights. Intercity bus services connect with all major cities. Ferry services operate between the two shores of the Strait.

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