ÇANAKKALE IS LOVE

My favorite city in all of Turkey is undoubtedly Çanakkale. With its history, geography, magnificent nature, and unique sea, it is one of the most delightful places in my homeland. Its central bazaar is beautiful on its own, and Ayvacık, Biga, Lapseki, Gelibolu, Gökçeada, Bozcaada, Kilitbahir, and Seddülbahir—every corner of my Çanakkale is filled with history and nature.

Every year, I go at least once and breathe in its beautiful air. As the ferry approaches the city, a wave of excitement fills me. The moment I step off, I treat my friends and loved ones to a variety of handmade ice creams made from Çanakkale’s famous fruits. We take a walk along the waterfront, then head to its charming bazaar. A stroll through Aynalı Çarşı is a must, and I always say I won’t leave without drinking a glass of mulberry juice or sour grape juice.

In the city center, I taste my beautiful Çanakkale’s fresh sardine sandwich and pickled juice, then continue strolling through the bazaar. As sunset approaches, I get my cheese halva, sit at one of the tea gardens along the waterfront, and enjoy the sunset over the stunning Çanakkale Strait while sipping my tea and savoring my halva.

When the sun sets, a feeling of melancholy fills me, but it's okay. The waterfront is especially beautiful in the evenings, with people singing songs, families out for a walk, and the cool Çanakkale winds refreshing everyone. As the day ends, people return to their homes, villagers to their villages, and I wrap up the day. The next day, I take the ferry to Kilitbahir. After enjoying the beautiful turquoise sea, the castles, museums, and historic sites, I head to the lovely beaches. I relax by the sea, sip my tea or coffee, snack on some fish in the beach garden, and before dawn, I board the ferry. While being surrounded by the sky and sea, I experience the sunset fully, and return to Çanakkale center with a 360-degree sea view.

On the same day, I head to Ezine, where I stay in the city center. In the morning, I enjoy a village breakfast with Ezine cheese, Çanakkale tomatoes, Ezine olives, and olive oil. I dip the village bread in olive oil, then add Ezine cheese, Çanakkale tomatoes, and spicy peppers, topped with large-grained Ezine olives. I savor my breakfast, with the juice running from the corner of my mouth. Afterward, I travel from beautiful Ezine to Geyikli by minibus, then take the ferry to Bozcaada.

In Bozcaada, I settle in a Greek house in the historic Greek streets, then head directly to Ayazma Beach. I enjoy the cold but clear Bozcaada sea, the golden sand, and the warm sun. I buy salty cucumber from the man selling cucumbers, then return to Bozcaada Center by minibus. In the streets, I take photos on the Windmill Hill, order a cheese plate, and pick up my Cold White Vasilaki wine, made from island grapes, from the local wine house. With my lover, I head to the top by minibus to watch the unique sunset view, accompanied by windmills, music, and love. Afterward, I return to the center, enjoying the Greek streets, the castle, and live music. Then, I rest at the Greek house with its unique view.

The next day, I enjoy the island breakfast in the garden, followed by island cookies and tea. Afterward, I take the ferry back to Geyikli and then head to Ezine. In one of Ezine’s famous meatball places, I order two portions of meatballs, sheep yogurt, and piyaz (a Turkish salad). I say, “I’ve never had meatballs like this in my life, my friend!” and then head to the center. In the center, I visit my dear friend Özlem, her little son Deniz, and her lovely family. We have our coffee by the strait.

Then, I do an endless Sunday shopping with Brother İdris, Sister Fatoş, and Özben. Çanakkale gets under your skin; every day in Çanakkale is a different story, and each story is uniquely beautiful. Çanakkale cannot be described, it must be lived. I say, go and live it.

With love.

Ali Onur ALPER