1915 Çanakkale Bridge

The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge stands as a remarkable suspension bridge, gracefully spanning the gap between the Lapseki and Gelibolu districts of Çanakkale province in Turkey. As the inaugural suspension bridge of the Dardanelles Bosphorus, it holds a position of engineering and architectural significance. Commencing its service on March 18, 2022, this bridge is an integral segment of the Malkara-Çanakkale highway.

At its heart, the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge boasts a middle span stretching over 2,023 meters, a feat that surpasses Japan's Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, thus securing its status as the longest suspension bridge in the world.

The bridge's central span, designed for the passage of land vehicles, measures a remarkable 2,023 meters, outstripping Japan's Akashi Kaikyo Bridge by a notable 32 meters. This achievement aligns with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish republic. In its entirety, including the length of the side spans and the approach viaducts, the bridge spans a total distance of 4,608 meters. Rising proudly from the waters, the steel towers reach a height of 318 meters, symbolizing the historic date of the Ottoman victory in the Dardanelles War on 18-03-1915. Adorning these towers are 16-meter-long bullet figures, paying homage to Seyit Onbaşı's legendary feat of lifting cannonballs single-handedly during the war, culminating in an impressive total bridge height of 334 meters. The striking red and white color palette adorning the towers serves as a tribute to the Turkish flag.

The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge and Highway, an engineering marvel and a symbol of triumph, weave a tale of progress and connectivity. Stretching across 89 kilometers of highway and 12 kilometers of connecting roads, this ambitious project seamlessly links Malkara and Çanakkale as part of the extensive 324-kilometer Kınalı-Tekirdağ-Çanakkale-Savaştepe Highway network.

As travelers journey beyond Malkara and Şarköy, they embark on a route that leads them through the scenic landscapes of Evreşe before arriving at the historic shores of Gallipoli. Along its path, the highway carves a route north of Gallipoli, culminating in a breathtaking crossing of the Dardanelles via the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, gracefully situated between Europe's Sütlüce village and Asia's Lapseki.

This bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. It's not just a physical link between continents; it's a symbol of Turkey's commitment to progress and connection. The bridge has earned global recognition as "the world's longest suspension bridge with a middle span," and its historical symbolism runs deep. The towering steel structures, reaching 318 meters in height, carry echoes of Ottoman victory in the 1915 Dardanelles War, with the numbers 3 and 18 symbolizing that historic date. The bridge also pays tribute to Seyit Onbaşı, who single-handedly lifted cannonballs during the war, with 16-meter-long bullet figures adorning its towers.

Yet, the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge isn't just about history; it's about progress. It has dramatically reduced the time required to cross the Dardanelles, making the journey a mere six-minute experience. Travelers not only save time but also benefit from significant fuel cost reductions, further emphasizing the bridge's importance in regional transportation.

In essence, the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge and Highway transcend being mere structures; they are symbols of Turkey's vision and a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets determination.