Dardanelles

The Dardanelles, also historically known as the Hellespont, is a narrow, natural strait and internationally significant waterway in northwestern Turkey. It connects the Sea of Marmara with the Aegean Sea and, by extension, the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the Turkish Straits, along with the Bosphorus.

The Dardanelles is approximately 61 kilometers (38 mi) long and ranges from 1.2 to 6 kilometers (0.75 to 3.7 mi) wide. Its average depth is around 55 meters (180 ft), with the deepest point reaching approximately 82 meters (269 ft). The strait's strategic importance stems from its role as a vital maritime route, allowing passage from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and beyond.

Throughout history, the Dardanelles has been a site of significant geopolitical and military conflict. In antiquity, it was the setting for the legendary story of Hero and Leander and was crossed by Xerxes I during his invasion of Greece. During World War I, the Allied Powers launched the Gallipoli Campaign (1915-1916) in an attempt to seize control of the Dardanelles and open a supply route to Russia. The attempt failed, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.

Under the terms of the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits (1936), Turkey retains control over the Dardanelles, but civilian vessels have free passage during peacetime. The convention also regulates the passage of warships. The Dardanelles continues to be a critical waterway for both commercial and military traffic, impacting regional and global trade and security.