The Dardanelles, also known as the Hellespont in antiquity, is a narrow, natural strait and internationally significant waterway in northwestern Turkey, connecting the Sea of Marmara with the Aegean Sea, part of the Mediterranean Sea. This strait is approximately 61 kilometers long and varies in width from 1.2 to 6 kilometers.
Geography and Significance
Historical Importance
Modern Role
- The Dardanelles remains a critical chokepoint for international maritime traffic, particularly for the transport of oil from the Caspian Sea basin.
- It's part of the Turkish Straits system, which also includes the Bosporus, together forming a vital link between the Black Sea and the world's oceans.
Environmental Concerns
- The Dardanelles is also a sensitive ecological zone, with concerns about pollution from shipping traffic affecting marine life and the local ecosystem.
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