Gelibolu, Seaport town in Çanakkale Province, Turkey
Gelibolu sits on a narrow peninsula where the Dardanelles Strait meets the Sea of Marmara, stretching along the waterfront with historic fortifications visible throughout. The town displays old walls and structures that reflect its strategic position.
The town was established as the first Ottoman conquest in Europe in 1356 and became the key point for further expansion into the Balkans. This event marked the beginning of Ottoman-European history in the region.
The town is closely tied to World War I, with soldier cemeteries and memorials from the 1915 Dardanelles Campaign visible throughout. Visitors can experience how this battle shaped the place and its memory today.
The town is best explored on foot since main points are relatively close together. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and steep climbs, especially when visiting the old fortifications.
A sixth-century Byzantine storehouse built by Emperor Justinian I still stands in the town, showing its ancient military importance. A square-shaped castle from the 14th century completes the picture of successive powers that controlled this location.
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