The Dardanelles is a narrow strait located in northwestern Turkey, connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It serves as a significant waterway for maritime trade and military navigation, historically important for various empires, including the Ottoman Empire. The strait is approximately 61 kilometers long and varies in width, with its narrowest point being about 1.2 kilometers.
The Dardanelles is also known for its strategic military significance, especially during events like the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I. This campaign involved Allied forces attempting to secure a sea route to Russia and to capture the Ottoman capital, Constantinople. The region is rich in history and continues to be a vital passage for international shipping.