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Eceabat: The Gateway to History and Nature on the Dardanelles

  • Writer: murat kabak
    murat kabak
  • Jul 20
  • 2 min read
Eceabat
Eceabat

Eceabat is a town located on the eastern shore of the Gallipoli Peninsula, along the historic Dardanelles Strait. Its significance for tourism in the region stems largely from its proximity to the heroic sites of the World War I Gallipoli Campaign. Eceabat not only offers easy access to battlefields, cemeteries, and memorials but also serves as a vital ferry port connecting the peninsula to the city of Canakkale on the Asian side of the strait.


Eceabat boasts a rich and layered past shaped by various civilizations. The earliest settlements in the area date back to the 7th century BCE when it was known as Maydos. Originally founded by Aeolian Greeks from the island of Lesbos, it was later populated by Greeks from the Anatolian cities of Miletus and Klazomenai. Ancient historians such as Herodotus and Thucydides mention Maydos in the context of battles against the Persian Empire and the Ionian League’s conflicts.


During the Byzantine era, Maydos was an important trading port. In the 15th century, it came under Ottoman control. Until the early 20th century, the town was predominantly inhabited by Greeks until the population exchange mandated by the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 transformed its demographic structure.


Attractions and Experiences

Visitors to Eceabat can immerse themselves in history and culture through several key sites. The Respect for History Park (Tarihe Saygı Parkı), opened in 2008 along the promenade, is an open-air museum featuring reenactments of significant WWI battle scenes. Admission is free, offering a moving glimpse into the past.


Within the town center, two mosques attract attention: the Mosque of the Fallen (Şehitler Camii), built in 1984 with a terrace overlooking the strait, and the less notable City Mosque (Merkez Cami). The Seyit Onbasi Monument, located near Fish Restaurant, honors the legendary Ottoman soldier Seyit Ali Cabuk, famed for carrying three artillery shells each weighing 275 kg during the critical naval battles on March 18, 1915.


About 1.5 km south of the center, the Camburnu Visitor Center provides detailed information about the Gallipoli battles along with a small museum. Nearby, the Ottoman fortress of Kilitbahir stands as a testament to the region’s strategic importance.


Accommodation and Dining

Eceabat offers a variety of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly hotels in the town center such as Hotel Crowded House. Dining options vary from affordable local eateries around Zübeyde Hanım Square, such as Yavuz Lokantası, serving traditional Turkish dishes, to seafood restaurants like Liman (harbor) Balık (fish) Restaurant that offer fresh fish and mezes on shaded terraces.


Getting There and Practical Tips

Located on the D550 highway, Eceabat is well-connected by bus services to major cities like Istanbul and Izmir. Local minibuses link the town to nearby Gelibolu and Kilitbahir. Ferries regularly shuttle passengers and vehicles across the Dardanelles to Canakkale, with increased frequency during summer months. Travelers are advised to avoid peak times, especially Sunday afternoons, to bypass long waits caused by heavy traffic.


Eceabat is a hidden gem where profound history meets natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for both history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat by the sea.




 
 
 

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