Context: The Dardanelles Strait in northwestern Turkey has been temporarily closed to maritime traffic due to ongoing wildfires near Çanakkale, triggering evacuations and emergency firefighting operations.

About the Dardanelles Strait:

What Is It?

A narrow natural strait connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, historically known as the Hellespont. It has served as a vital trade and military route since antiquity.

Geographical Details:

• Location:
  In northwestern Turkey, separating the Gallipoli Peninsula (Europe) from Asia Minor (Asia).
  Lies entirely within Turkey’s territorial waters.
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 61 km
  • Width: 1.2 to 6.5 km
  • Depth: Average ~55 m; Maximum ~90 m
  • Currents:
    • Surface flow from Sea of Marmara to Aegean
    • Undercurrent moves in reverse direction with saline water
• Key Ports/Towns: Çanakkale, Gallipoli, Eceabat

Historical Significance:

• A key strategic waterway in ancient and modern conflicts:
  • Persian invasion (480 BCE)
  • Alexander the Great’s campaign (334 BCE)
  • Gallipoli Campaign during World War I

Strategic & Global Importance:

• Global Shipping:
  Forms part of the maritime route linking Europe, Asia, and the Black Sea (via the Bosporus).
  Closure disrupts international maritime trade.
• Geopolitical Chokepoint:
  Essential for Turkey’s regional control, NATO security architecture, and access to the Black Sea—particularly relevant to Russia-Ukraine tensions.