Canakkale: A strait connecting Europe and Asia as well as the Aegean and the Marmara Seas; and the most important center of the civilizations of Troy and Assos but most importantly the symbol of independence. The city, which was called Hellespont and Dardanelles in the ancient times, took the name Çanakkale after a major war during the last phase of the Ottoman Empire.  Having been the scene of great wars and victories, the glorious city has witnessed different phases of history and is now harboring the landmarks of these historic times.